DOCUMENTS and photographs showing work which took place in Malvern and shaped the course of world history are on display at Malvern Library's art gallery.

Research and development of radar by scientists moved here in the Second World War from the vulnerable south coast played a vital part in the successful war effort.

Records marked "most secret" showing all kinds of ingenious devices from "blind" bomb targeters to enemy radar detection devices were put on show this month by exhibition curator Ernest Putley.

Dr Putley joined what was then the Telecommunications Research Establishment (TRE) as a 20-year-old Physics graduate in 1942. He spent the rest of his working life there and has put the exhibition together to mark the 60th anniversary of the arrival of TRE in the town.

Many of the photographs show familiar views of the Malvern Hills and the town as it was then in the background with examples of the new technology.

"It was all secret, at least when it was taken," he said.

"They could have said the battle would be won on the playing fields of Malvern!"

A series of photographs showing the Queen Mother, as Queen, during a Royal visit to the town in the war are also on display. The exhibition runs until tomorrow (Saturday, May 25).