An exhibition in Redditch is set to mark the start of an exciting project to preserve the memories of one of the town's biggest employers. 

Growing out of the British Leyland Computer Systems Department as an independent company, ISTEL became a major employer in Redditch in the 1980s. 

Its many industry sector groups occupied several sites across the town and served customers all over the world. 

After striking a deal with the larger parent company AT&T, ISTEL continued to grow but the name was slowly lost. 

A group of former employees have now set out on a mission to preserve the memories of ISTEL and ensure the stories of its past are not forgotten in Redditch. 

A spokesperson for the group said: "Over the last year, two former ISTEL employees have been on a mission to ensure the name ISTEL is remembered and this exhibition will showcase the success of the project and the wealth of data and artefacts collected about ISTEL."

The group will be hosting a special heritage open day exhibition at Redditch Library on Saturday, September 7 from 10am until 1pm. 

At the exhibition, the Remembering ISTEL group will also be revealing the plans for a permanent public reminder of the business as well as plans to deposit the archives that have been collected.