A GROUNDBREAKING CD detailing dramatic tales from 11 Wyre Forest war veterans has been launched to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.

The tales of bravery and hardship feature on the 1,000 limited edition CD and an eight-page booklet created to boost this year's Poppy Appeal in the district.

It is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

The CD is the brainchild of Ray Whitehouse, who co-produced it with his son John who has a recording studio and made the master disc.

Mr Whitehouse, who is deputy manager of the Rowland Hill Centre, Kidderminster, said: "We have always backed the British Legion but this year wanted to do something different and a little bit special to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Ray Whitehouse who has produced the CD to boost this year's Poppy Appeal in Wyre Forest.

"We believe the CD is a unique record of wartime experiences from an area. I'm told the British Legion would like a copy at its London HQ because they have never come across anything like this before.

"We hope to sell out and I am sure people will be fascinated by the many stories told."

The accounts - told by the veterans themselves - range from the hardship of a prisoner-of-war under the Japanese to the RAF bomber raids on Berlin and the tragic loss of life by airborne troops at Arnhem.

Veterans also tell of the D-Day landings, intelligence operations in Eastern Europe and the fierce battles as the Allies pushed up through Italy.

On the home front there are accounts from a codebreaker at Bletchley Park and a Land Army girl.

Mr Whitehouse worked for hours with his son to produce the CD, which features both moving and stirring music from the Central Band of the Royal British Legion to accompany the stories which range from the inspiring to the sombre.

And there are authentic morse code and military sounds to help provide a backdrop for the heroic tales.

Mr Whitehouse has even recorded two of his own pieces where military music would not be appropriate.

The Royal British Legion answers 300,000 calls for help each year.

Not only does it help the families of bereaved servicemen, who have died in action every year since 1945 - except for 1968 - and those who have fallen on hard times.

The legion is also active in supporting families who have experienced divorce due to the stresses and strains of military life.

The limited run of 1,000 CDs, which cost £4.99 each, will be available from the Rowland Hill Centre, Fagins Bookstore and Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport libraries from November 4.

If anyone wants to order a copy in advance they can call Simon Blunt at i4 media on 01562 865444.