A new book charting the history of a North Powys town through the first World War will be launched this Saturday (November 3).

Llanfyllin and District Civic Society is commemorating the Armistice which ended the war with the launch of “Llanfyllin voices of the first world war”, which tells the story of the town’s wartime years through the men and women who lived through it.

Author Richard Kretchmer, a local historian and former teacher at Llanfyllin High School, says the voices are drawn from all parts of Llanfyllin society, rich and poor, and together they open a door into life in a small Welsh town and take you into the heart of Llanfyllin during this most important event of modern times.

“Local history is national history – but on a local scale. There is no better way to really understand the world of a century ago than by hearing the true voices of the men and women who lived at that time,” he said.

"It’s a powerful story, punctuated with disasters and desperate courage on the war front and constant anxieties on the home front. The Llanfyllin 'Boys' on the Eastern and Western Fronts tell heart-rending stories from Gallipoli, Gaza and the battle of the Somme. At home, a local doctor is angry about the appalling state of Llanfyllin, the Rector of St. Myllin’s implores the town to 'turn to God' and conscientious objectors are threatened with death."

The book will be launched from 10am to 12.30 pm at the Llanfyllin Public Institute, with author Richard and researcher Pauline Page-Jones on hand.