A PLAQUE paying tribute to the female volunteers who served tea to five million servicemen during the Second World War has been rediscovered.

Local man Kenny Gibson has helped track down the well known artefact which once took pride of place in the Gourock’s bus depot cafe.

As soldiers from all over the globe docked in Inverclyde, they could be sure of a warm welcome on their travels, thanks to the tireless work of the local Women’s Voluntary Service. 

Now with the help of Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld, the plaque is to be dusted down and will be given pride of place in the proposed new Gourock Heritage Centre.

Kenny, 73, of Tweed Street, Greenock said: “I remember the plaque hanging in the cafe until it closed. I was a joiner working for the council when I found it years later, stuck lying behind a radiator in the Gamble Halls.

“I don’t know what happened to it after that, but I’m glad it has been found and will hopefully now go on display.

“It is an important part of Gourock’s war history.”

Councillor Ahlfeld, who is behind the plan to open the heritage centre in the town, was also intrigued.

He managed to track the plaque down to the McLean Museum, where it remains part of their massive collection.

It has been put in storage while the museum undergoes major refurbishment work, but will eventually now be returned to its rightful home.

Councillor Ahlfeld said: “I am delighted Kenny got in touch. I think everyone in the town remembers the plaque in the cafe.

“Gourock played a major part in local efforts during the Second World War.

“We want this to be recognised in the heritage centre. I think it is a perfect place for the plaque.”

The heritage centre has opened temporarily in the Gamble Halls while work continues towards acquiring the police station through a community asset transfer to give it a permanent home.