RESTORATIONS ON A 'HEROIC' SCALE

From a long-lost dolly and a lifesaving brass cross to the attache bag used by Churchill’s cook, family treasures given new life by members of The Repair Shop feature in a new book to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Here are their incredible stories...

- By Karen Rockett

MILLIONS of us tune into The Repair Shop each week to watch its heartwarming restorations and the moving stories behind them. Now, a fascinating new book based on the BAFTA-winning show has brought together a poignant collection of tales connected with the end of the Second World War.

From a long-lost dolly to Churchill’s cook’s bag, The Repair Shop: World War II delves into events in Britain and beyond to remember the sacrifice and bravery of the individuals of the time.

Repair Shop furniture restorer and book contributor Will Kirk understands all too well the huge pull these objects have.

His maternal grandfather, Robert, worked in bomb disposal in London during the war and was recognised for his bravery.

"One wrong snip of a wire and I wouldn’t be here today," the 40-year-old tells the Sunday Express with a smile. "My uncle has an old photo of Robert from the war at Vauxhall tube station, giving it the thumbs up after dismantling a bomb.