A BOOK detailing Somerset's role in the Second World War has been officially launched.

Entitled "Darlingest", by Elizabeth McDowell and Jane Woodland, the book details Milverton in the war, the story of two non-combat truck drivers, and the 600 evacuees headed for Somerset that the County Gazette announced on June 15 1940.

Among the evacuees was Nellie Clemens and her 5-year-old daughter Helen. Mrs Clements was an avid letter writer and wrote to her husband daily.

Author, Elizabeth McDowell, said: "It was the extracts of these letters, held by the Imperial War Museum, sent to the village, and the story they revealed that intrigued me, who could see their potential.

"Here was the tale of one village having to cope with everyday life, whilst caring for the invasion of evacuee children and both British and then American soldiers.

"All the while they had to deal with civil defence and a possible invasion whilst continue to grow food for the nation, educate the children, provide clothes and even collect herbs for medicines."

The book, which was launched on October 22, to coincide to the day American soldiers arrived in Milverton 73 years ago, costs £15 and is comprised of 336 pages and 42 photographs. It will be available from Brendon Books and at locations across Milverton.