From Fulwood Barracks, to Moor Park being an army training camp to the city’s Armed Forces Day each year the connection between Preaton and the military is a strong one.

Historian Keith Johnson has charted the city’s links with the armed forces in his latest book.

Looking back at conflicts from Roman times to the present day then Johnson’s latest work is a must for anyone interested in the city’s military history.

Mr Johnson said: “Many generations of Preston families have been touched by the consequences of conflicts and confrontations, both at home and abroad. There have been countless heroic acts by those who proudly displayed the pride of Preston in their deeds, with their courage and resolve quite amazing.

“On countless occasions those left behind at home have endured worry and anguish before their loved one returned, whilst others were left bereft by tragic news that led to an outpouring of sorrow.

“It was quite a mixture that captured my imagination – Roman roads, buried treasures, bloody confrontations, letters from serving soldiers, captured cannons, the exploits of munition workers, footballers who went to war, the perils of the sea, a railway station with cups of char for free, the threats from the sky above, a military barracks for fighting soldiers, inns and their signs paying tribute to the military, streets named in remembrance of battles and those involved in conflicts, weapons of war and military equipment skilfully constructed, museums and their collections, countless war memorials all painstakingly constructed, and remembrance that it is clearly not restricted to Remembrance Sunday – all being worthy of mention.”

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The book can be ordered online from Amberley Books.