A PAINTING which depicts the day a famous bomber plane was brought to Worcester during the Second World War has been unearthed by an antiques shop owner.

Well-known Worcester artist Ernest Waldron West painted the scene from 1943 where a Halifax bomber was on show in Deansway – between the old police station and St Andrew’s Spire.

Mr West, who died in November 1994 at the age of 90, completed the oil painting at his studio in Sansome Walk.

The artist is best known for his portraits of aviator Sheila Scott, which have previously been displayed at Worcester City and Art Gallery in Foregate Street.

Gabrielle Bullock, owner of Bygones antiques shop, near the cathedral, came across the painting after Mr West’s family decided to clear out his studios.

A search of the Worcester Evening News archives found a picture from the day the Halifax bomber was brought to the city.

Mrs Bullock said: “It is spectacular to see the bomber in Deansway. The painting has barely been seen before so it’s great to have come across it after all these years.

“It was all part of the Wings for Victory appeal which was all about trying to raise money to build more planes.

“You can see from the picture how big the plane is.

"I’m not sure how they would have got it down Deansway because the streets were quite narrow in those days.

"He must have painted it at the scene or gone back to his studio in Sansome Walk to finish it.

"It will be for sale eventually but at present it is just on display in the shop.”

• A painting by the same artist remains on show in the offices of the Worcester News.

Presented in 1940, an inscription below it thanks the people of Worcester for their fund-raising efforts.

“In 1940 in Britain’s hour of peril the people of Worcester (through the Evening News and Times) earned the gratitutde of the British Nations, sustaining the valour of the Royal Air Force and fortifying the cause of freedom, by the gifting of two Spitfire fighters.”

• If you remember the Halifax bomber in Worcester in 1943, call 01905 742244.