MILESTONES stripped to foil potential Nazi spies during the Second World War have finally been restored to their former glory.

A total of 11 stones on the A443 between Worcester and Great Witley have been fitted with cast iron plaques.

It is one of the first major projects by the Worcestershire branch of The Milestone Society to locate and preserve all milestones in the county. Terry Keegan was a founder member of the society and is co-ordinator of the Worcestershire branch.

"The original plates were removed in 1940 and destroyed in case the Germans arrived in the UK without their maps, but for one reason or another they were never replaced after the war," he said.

"The Milestone Society was set up in 2001 to put this right and is now a registered charity. "Each milestone, with its information on distances to the nearest towns, is unique to that locality.

"For that reason, its preservation is of greatest importance to its own local communities - and it is because of this that we are inviting parishes to take up the challenge of restoring them for future generations."

Nine parish councils took up the offer to restore their local milestones, with the remaining two being paid for by individuals. Each plaque cost £50, but as only five of the original stones remain, some residents helped to pay more for new ones.

One of those who took up the offer was Michael Harper, of Top Barn Farm.

Mike, who runs the harvest shop on the farm, was delighted to be able to pay for a new plaque on the original stone, which stands just outside the premises.

"When Terry approached me I thought it was a lovely idea," he said.