BRIXHAM Battery volunteers led a group of adventurous visitors along the museum's underground ammunition tunnel for the first time in more than 60 years at their recent open day.

The 30-metre tunnel and war shelter rooms have been blocked up since 1947 and the volunteer group has launched an appeal fund to restore them.

More than 400 visitors attended the battery's heritage open day and donated £250 towards the appeal.

Stewards took some of the visitors through the tunnel, led by torch-carrying guides.

Battery chairman Phil Trayhorn said: "They were fascinated to learn that they were the first groups to enter the tunnel in 63 years.

"Visitors expressed amazement at the good condition of both the tunnel and war shelter rooms, and hoped to see them fully restored soon.

"Many commented that they are a great tourist attraction, and an asset to Brixham.

"We aim to install electric lighting in the tunnel and rooms as soon as funds allow."

Among the visitors was a Home Guard veteran, 90-year-old gunner Albert Wood, of Paignton, who was attached to Brixham Battery from 1942 to 1945.

As well as working as a farmer in a reserved occupation, Albert manned the guns at night and weekends as a back-up to the Regular Army Royal Artillery men who were stationed at the battery from 1940 to 1945.

Mr Trayhorn said: "Albert came to have a look around with his daughter, and it brought back so many memories for him.

"He was selected because of his height and fitness to be a gunner."

Mr Trayhorn said that thanks to tireless fundraising efforts over the past couple of months, members had now reached the half-way mark in their appeal, raising £3,000 towards the £6,000 target.