WOMEN who worked at the munitions factory at Rotherwas during two world wars, are to be formally honoured by Herefordshire Council.

A plaque is to be installed at Rotherwas, in honour of the 'Canary Girls' who worked at the munitions factory there, making shells and bombs used in the defence of the country during the first and second world wars and the Korean War.

Cllr Chris Chappell, who seconded the proposal, said: "Originally, I wanted these women to be given the ‘Freedom’ of the county, but as that is not legally possible, an alternative to erect a plaque in their honour is a significant development. "Herefordshire is the first county in the country to recognise the people who provided the shells and bombs which saved the country from tyranny."

Herefordshire Council was unanimous after debating a notice of motion and there were several further suggestions to raise a statue in honour of the ‘Canary Girls’, which they were called because their skin and hair turned yellow caused by the use of cordite with the explosive used in the shells.