CONSERVATION experts have gone underground to spend a "nuclear winter" restoring a relic from the Cold War.

English Heritage is spending £250,000 turning a partly subterranean atomic bunker into what is likely to be the region's most bizarre visitor attraction.

The bunker, off Acomb Road, York, is believed to be the most complete structure of its kind in existence.

It was abandoned in 1991 following the break-up of the Soviet Union and for years was empty and derelict until it was taken over by English Heritage and became a scheduled monument.

The aim of the restoration is to give young people and future generations an insight into the tensions of the Cold War. The restoration is expected to take four months.

It was built as a reporting centre to gather details on nuclear explosions in the event of war. It was operated by the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) and was also charged with monitoring lethal radioactive fallout.

The bunker contains many of its original features, including log books and pencils.

English Heritage has joined forces with the Cold War Heritage Trust and the Civil Defence Preservation Trust to guide the restoration work.

A new body, the Cold War Conservation Trust, will take over the management of the site when repairs are complete.

The ROC's former deputy group commander, David France, spent four years at the bunker and was upset when he saw its condition.

"This project is an excellent idea," he said yesterday. "This is part of modern history and it is something that should be retained so people in the future can understand their past."

English Heritage regional director David Fraser said: "The nuclear bunker stands as a reminder that history is being made all the time.

"It is a very complex restoration project because there is no template for this kind of work. We are working through problems and hope to get the bunker near to its operational status."

Repairs will include rewiring, repairing cracks in the structure, providing limited disabled access and getting a radiation-proof sewerage system back in working order.

The aim is to provide limited public access and also launch a website, complete with a virtual reality tour of the facility.

An opening ceremony is planned for the spring.