LOCAL military historian Dr Jonathan Hicks is seeking assistance in putting the final touches to his forthcoming book on Barry and the Second World War.

"In order to complete the story I would very much like readers to contact me if they have any photographs of medal winners from Barry or of any of the hundreds of men and women from Barry who sadly lost their lives and are on the town's Roll of Honour in the Memorial Hall," said Dr Hicks, who is headteacher of St Cyres school.

"I see this book very much as a work dedicated to the memory of the fallen and the sacrifices they made, and would dearly like to include photographs of them."

Dr Hicks has already written several books on military history and his 2007 book 'Barry and the Great War' told the history of the town’s contribution to the First World War.

"This will be a companion volume, this time telling the stories and recounting the memories of Barrians who served their country in each of the three armed services and the Merchant Navy from 1939-45," he said.

"I will also be relating the stories of the civilian population of Barry and would welcome the short loan of any photographs associated with this. They will be returned promptly.

"There will be chapters on events of each year of the war as they affected the town, on the Americans in Barry, the Air Raids, the personal memories of the many people I have interviewed over recent years, as well as - for the first time - a complete Roll of Honour."

Dr Hicks' book will be published in the spring and readers are invited to contact him on 07708 255295 or to write to him at St Cyres School in Penarth.