A CEREMONY to mark the site of Bewdley's historic toll house brought back "sweet" memories for two women who have lived in the town all their lives.

Elizabeth Ralley and Janet Colley both recall popping into the famous landmark as children more than 60 years ago.

It was originally erected to collect tolls from people crossing the legendary Thomas Telford bridge built in 1798. But Mrs Ralley, of Northwood Lane, and Mrs Colley, of Riverside, remember it as a sweetshop used by many of the town's children.

Mrs Ralley, 75, said: "When I was a little girl I would get a halfpenny for doing the family shopping and I loved to spend it on sweets at Mrs Gale's. There would be dolly mixtures, sherbet and all sorts of things in there "

Having closed as a sweetshop, the tollhouse was eventually demolished in 1960 after falling into disrepair.

Bewdley Civic Society has marked its original location on the Wribbenhall side of the bridge with a paved area and plaque which was officially unveiled by society president Lord Sandys on Saturday.

Mrs Colley, 67, said: "It is a pity the toll house had to be knocked down, but this plaque means at least people can see where it used to be."

Lord Sandys paid tribute to the workmanship of the paved area and said: "Thomas Telford was a genius. The geometry of his bridges was perfect and I am sure he would have been proud to be associated with this work."