A FORMER Wiltshire Times journalist has written a book about how the county coped during the Second World War.

Bob Randall was a reporter with our paper during the key years of the war and his book A Patchwork of Memories looks at how Trowbridge and surrounding towns dealt with the threat of armed conflict.

Copies of the book have gone on sale in Trowbridge Museum and will also be on sale during the forthcoming West Wilts Show.

Museum curator Clair Lyall said the book is a "fascinating compilation" of experiences and memories.

"There is so much in it and every story is a gem," she said.

"Amongst my favourites is the tale of them disguising the White Horse with sticks and bracken so that it couldn't be spotted by enemy aircraft.

"Another is about the only female councillor, who used to walk home after meetings with a lethal swordstick for protection."

The book is on sale priced at £4.50 a copy.