YVONNE Beattie is taking a Master of Arts degree in historical studies at Sunderland University.

One of her specialist areas is what happened to ordinary people in Darlington during the Second World War.

She is particularly interested to hear from people who were evacuated to the town from the South.

In 1941, 648 young evacuees came to Darlington.

Although many of them returned home in peacetime, several eventually settled in this area.

She is also looking to speak to women who went to work during the war - not only Aycliffe Angels, but also members of the Land Army and the Home Guard.

She would be delighted to hear from any men who were called up for active service.

"I'm not interested in what they did," she says, "but in their feelings. Were they patriotic? Or did they feel pressured into joining?"

Ms Beattie can be contacted on (01325) 243729, or by writing to her at: 38 Caledonian Way, Darlington, DL1 3RJ.