DIGNITARIES gathered in Wordsley for the rededication of a World War I bomb shell originally donated to villagers in honour of their wartime fundraising efforts.

MP Chris Kelly and Mayor of Dudley Councillor Peter Miller were among the VIP guests at the ceremony at Wordsley Community Centre on Saturday May 7.

The event was organised by members of Wordsley Community Association who have become the proud custodians of the large Howitzer Shell Case - which was originally presented to the people of Wordsley in 1918 by the National War Savings Committee to commemorate the village’s subscription to War Securities.

Janet Blakeway, event organiser, said: “During the terrible spring of 1918 when the Germans pushed far into allied lines and Wordsley had lost 125 sons, villagers rose to the task and raised pound after pound for our boys - with such splendid results that the presentation of our shell was made in tribute.”

For many years the artefact was left to gather dust at the old arts centre in Wordsley High Street and until recently it was in the care of one of the trustees.

But a delighted Mrs Blakeway said: “It has now been passed back to us by its trustee in order that it gains the safe home it deserves.”

To mark its return to the community, villagers were treated to performances by a George Formby tribute and the Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir at the ceremony.

Members of the Royal Warwick’s 1914 to 1918 History Group also turned up to the celebratory bash, which saw money raised for Help For Heroes.