NEXT month we will have something to celebrate and commemorate - the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Without doubt, the times we are living through now are the darkest and most challenging since the Second World War.

But May 8 marks 75 years since Victory in Europe was declared.

And to note this momentous date, the Dorset Echo has produced a special publication called Victory. The 136-page magazine, available in the shops, features remarkable stories from the home front and the battlefields.

It tells the story of the conflict, year by year through the eyes of those who lived through it, from the build up to war in 1938 to its end in 1945. Victory tells incredible tales of bravery, heroism and fortitude drawing on experiences across the region. From Dunkirk to D Day, the Battle of Britain to Arnhem, North Africa, the Atlantic and beyond.

The amazing story of the Secret Spitfires, escaping from the Nazis in Vienna, the bombing of our towns and cities, the sinking of HMS Hood, the crucial role of 12 New Forest airfields in the war effort and liberating the death camps. These are just a few of the momentous events and stories covered.

And Victory concludes with pictures of some of the many VE Day street parties that signalled the beginning of life returning to normal.

Contributions have come from the areas covered by the Echos in Bournemouth, Southampton and Dorset, the Isle of Wight County Press and the Salisbury Journal.

Many of the people in Victory, civilians and military personnel, were interviewed in the early 2000s and have since passed away. But we are proud and privileged to be able to tell their stories once again and keep the memories alive. We hope it plays small part in celebrating VE Day and commemorating the sacrifices of all those who helped bring it about.

*Victory costs £4.95 and is available at selected retailers. Also you can order your copy online simply click HERE or call 0800 731 4900.