An Abingdon man is searching for people with wartime memories for inclusion in the national Second World War Experience Centre.

Matthew Smaldon from St Edmund's Lane, is looking for stories from all walks of life, including memories of servicemen and women, civilians, nurses and factory workers.

Mr Smaldon said: "I meet with people and tape record their recollections in an informal interview.

"This is really an opportunity for the interviewee to recount their stories.

"My questions are minimal. If the interviewee or their relatives ask for a copy of the tape, I always make one available."

The recording is sent to the centre for transcribing and inclusion in the Leeds archive, which is accessible by authors working on Second World War books, TV researchers, post-graduate and undergraduate researchers.

The archive is also used by veterans' groups and historical societies.

Mr Smaldon added: "Everyone has an interesting story to tell, even if sometimes they don't think so. They all contribute to a clearer understanding of that time and it is important that these memories are not lost forever."

The centre is a registered museum and charity and exists to document the lives of men and women who lived through the 1939-1945 years.

More than 8,000 people have experiences of their younger years recorded in the centre by original documents, memorabilia and recorded memories.

Mr Smaldon can be contacted on 01235 526734 or by email at matthew.smaldon@googlemail.com