WITHOUT the civilian contribution to Second World War effort, the British lamp of freedom would have burnt out.

During the six years of conflict many Yorkshire people worked prodigiously to secure victory and I would like to tell their stories in a book commissioned by Pen and Sword Books, of Barnsley.

I want to compile a journal focusing on typical days in the lives of a whole range of Yorkshire civilians, including evacuees, air raid wardens, midwives, munitions workers, firemen, policemen, journalists, railwaymen, miners, clergymen, farmers, members of the Land Army, printers, members of the Home Guard, lorry drivers, housewives, schoolchildren etc.

I wondered if readers might help me to tell their stories, the accounts to include comments on shortages, "make do and mend", entertainments and keeping up morale?

Any accompanying photographs or illustrations would be most welcome for the book. Postage costs will be refunded.

Please write to me at the address below, phone me on 01323 504656 or email: lenmarkham@hotmail.com

Len Markham,

Trinity,

41 Parkway,

Ratton Manor,

Eastbourne, BN20 9DY,

East Sussex.

Updated: 10:20 Tuesday, March 14, 2006