A BENFLEET author and historian is on a mission to keep World War veterans' memories "alive" by passing their inspirational stories onto school children.

Raymond P. Newlyn, 43, from Benfleet, has written a series of books based on local veterans from the Second World War, who served in Dunkirk, and Arnham and endured D-Day.

told their stories of their time during the war.

Raymond, along with a number of veterans he has interviewed over the years, are now visiting schools giving the children first-hand accounts of their fascinating experiences - which Raymond believes will allow their legacies to continue on through the next generation.

Raymond Newlyn's first book, entitled D-Day 70, focused on five heroes including, Alfred Smith, 99, from Southend, Don Shepard, 98, from Laindon, and Bernard Mabey, from Southend, who sadly passed away last month, aged 90.

Raymond said: "Going to all the schools is just fantastic. Our aim is to celebrate all the wars and all the people who fought in them.

"I’m still in awe of them and it’s a privilege for me to be associated with these men.

"Many sadly never made it out of these wars alive so to be able to hear the stories of the ones who did and pass that onto the younger generation is great.

"The hospitality has been fantastic from all the schools. Me and the veterans have been overwhelmed by the response from the staff and children.

"We hope we have sparked something in the children and hope to see them keep the veterans legacy going and their memories alive."

Glenn Moore, headteacher at Hadleigh Junior School, said: "We are truly grateful to Alfred and Don for giving up their time to share their harrowing and inspirational stories with our school.

"Their talk brought to life some of the most monumental events in our country's history.

"Our pupils now have a deeper understanding and enhanced perspective of this period in history.

"Thank you to Raymond Newlyn for organising this opportunity for our school."

Matilda, Year 6, said: "It was extremely interesting to hear what the Second World War was like, especially form somebody who actually experienced it.

"Don and Alfred helped me to understand how they felt during the war - they inspired me."