AN ambitious project is being mounted to open up quarry tunnels beneath Runcorn Hill Park.

They were used as air raid shelters.

It is hoped they could eventually become a tourist attraction.

An open meeting is being held at 1pm on Sunday, January 24 at the new pavilion café to discuss the future of the site.

The Runcorn Tunnel Finders will have photographs and information on display.

The group will lead a walk into Happy Valley for people to see where one of the tunnels is located.

Residents are invited to bring along any old photographs they may have of the tunnels.

The last open day was very successful with lots of people sharing their memories with each other of their time spent in the tunnel during the second world war.

Runcorn Tunnel Finders group is now looking for new members.

They are working with Halton Council as part of the Heritage Lottery Parks for People scheme. Group member Dave Hough said: "If you would like to share memories, information and photographs, or simply have an interest in the tunnels, please come along to the open day."

Halton Cllr Ron Hignett, board member for the physical environment said: "The project would bring tourists to the area and help invigorate the local economy, having a knock-on effect on local businesses."