THIS month the Advertiser's sister paper has published a special book 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 World War Two.

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

And to note this momentous date, the Southampton Daily 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 some of the key 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.

Many of the people in Victory, civilians and military personnel, were interviewed in the early 2000s and have since died.

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.

Copies are available in most retailer across the region for £4.95 or it can be ordered online and over the phone for a total of £6 (£4.95 + £1.05 post and packaging).