The life-stories of nine local war heroes have been committed to print in a regional daily journalist’s book.

Ben James, assistant news editor at Brighton-based newspaper The Argus, has released Sussex War Heroes, which features a foreword by Dame Vera Lynn.

The book explores the lives of soldiers, pilots, prisoners of war and a Holocaust survivor, all currently living in Sussex.

Among them is Bill Lucas, a Bomber Command pilot whose dreams of running for gold at the 1940 Helsinki Olympics were dashed by the outbreak of war.

Also featured is former artillery officer Patrick Delaforce who helped liberate the notorious Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

He was later chosen to sit on a war crimes jury after the war, which sent numerous concentration camp guards to the gallows.

Said Ben: “The nine men and women featured are truly inspirational and it is important we recognise them before they are gone.

“They are the unsung heroes of one of the most defining periods in history. But given how modest and humble they are, many of their stories are being told for the first time.”

Sussex War Heroes is available in bookshops, online via Amazon and by calling (01235) 465500.