First World War enthusiast Allan Reed crosses the channel every year to gather more of his "iron harvest".

This is his name for the metal relics of war which keep being ploughed up by French and Belgium farmers tilling the former battlefields.

Allan, 54, of KitKatts Road, Canvey, is displaying some of his finds as part of a wartime exhibition at the Heritage Centre in Canvey Road, at the weekend.

Trench treasures : Allan Reed with one of his exhibits Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Guest of honour on Saturday, will be Stella Shepherd, 79, of Ford Lauderdale, Florida, who served in the ATS during the second World War, and whose parents ran the former Greenglades Cafe in Canvey High Street.

Published Monday, June 9, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo