AN ENIGMA machine used by the Germans during World War II is to become one of the main features of a new Merseyside attraction. The U-534 visitor centre, at Woodside Ferry Terminal, is due to open in mid-February with the famous top-secret code machine taking pride of place on display.

The cracking of the codes used by the Enigma machine, by intelligence experts at Bletchley Park, is regarded as a vital part of the war effort as it allowed the country to eavesdrop on the enemy.

This particular Enigma machine was found on board the U-534 after she was sunk at the end of the war.

Last night, Neil Scales, chief executive of Merseytravel, which owns the new attraction, said: “The machine is in remarkably good condition. We’ve even got the codes, written in pencil, which have also been preserved.

“We’ve got a tremendous amount of material from the U-boat that will be going on display to show just what life was like on board this U-boat.

“There’s even bars of soap which have retained their scent. We opened a box of cigars and you could still smell a faint aroma of tobacco.”

Work on the new visitor centre at Woodside is now nearing completion, six months after Merseytravel saved U-534 from being scrapped.

The U-boat was cut into five sections and floated to her new home on board the giant floating crane, Mersey Mammoth.

Merseytravel said the cutting was done with such precision that two of the sections have now been rejoined, and it is impossible to spot where this has been done.

A British chart of the Newfoundland and Labrador coastal area, with a Kriegsmarine Stamp on it will also go on display.

“The chart is dated 1938 and was probably bought by a German spy over the counter of an English shop before the outbreak of war. It’s all pure living history,” said Mr Scales.