A piece of wartime history has been brought back to life.

Hamilton Academy in High Wycombe has reopened its Second World War air raid shelter, first built during the Blitz in the 1940s, during a public open day held on Saturday, May 9.

The shelter was one of several built at the former Priory Road School but was long forgotten until its rediscovery in the 1990s.

Mike Ashford, then headteacher, had the structure cleared and fitted with lighting so it could be used for educational purposes.

Second World War air raid shelter reopened at Hamilton Academy in High WycombeSecond World War air raid shelter reopened at Hamilton Academy in High Wycombe (Image: Hamilton Academy)

However, it wasn’t until last year—coinciding with the school’s 150th anniversary—that full renovations were completed.

During the open day, more than 400 visitors explored the shelter and listened to stories of its wartime use, including first-hand accounts from former pupils who sheltered there during air raids.

Children took part in arts and crafts activities, handled wartime artefacts, and tried out a World War II-era air raid siren.

A pop-up café run by school volunteers raised nearly £1,000 in donations.

These funds will go towards purchasing additional historical artefacts and supporting ongoing improvements to the shelter.

The school described the event as "a huge success" and said they plan to hold another open day next year.