Builder Andy Russell has just completed a five-year labour of love by publishing a book detailing how all the 118 men recorded on Wallingford's war memorial met their deaths.

Andy Russell with his book at Wallingford's war memorial

He said: "These men died for our liberties in two world wars.

"I felt they should be remembered as more than just names on a memorial in the Market Place.

"It's taken five years, but I'm glad it's finished now and in time for the celebrations to mark the end of the Second World War.

"You could say it's been a labour of love and respect."

Mr Russell, 41, was born in Wallingford and has always been interested in military history.

He served with the local Territorial Army unit for 18 years.

For the last three years he has put on an exhibition in Wallingford town hall on Remembrance Day detailing how far he'd got with his research.

Mr Russell, of St Nicholas Road, said: "What started off as an interest became a passion -- an obsession almost.

"I researched these men through families, old photographs, war diaries, regimental records -- anything I could find.

"Now I think I've done them justice -- people should remember them and what they did for us."

His book For Your Tomorrow takes its title from a epitaph by Rudyard Kipling: 'For your Tomorrow, we gave our Today'.

The publication is self-financed and sells for £13.99 from Mr Russell on 01491 832414.