THERE is no better way to see in the months of 2005 than with the Daily Echo's Down Your Way calendar.

The views depicted in the 2005 calendar will certainly remind people why the Echo country is such a popular place to live and visit.

The calendar features 12 breathtaking views taken by Echo photographers from all around the area including the tranquil water at the Avon Causeway, Gold Hill at Shaftesbury, oilseed rape in fields near Cranborne, Old Harry Rocks and Badbury Rings.

It also includes the rural scenes that have inspired writers, artists and poets.

Priced at just £4.99, the calendar will make a great Christmas gift and should be available from Echo offices next week.

Deputy editor Ed Perkins said: "What a wonderful way to brighten up your day. This is a great asset for every family and features some of the finest work of our award-winning photographers."

And back by popular demand is the Daily Echo's Down Your Way book - the definitive A to Z guide to all the towns and villages in Echo country.

From Lymington in the east to Tolpuddle in the west and from Swanage up to Shaftesbury, the updated book explores more than 350 places in our neighbourhood, each with its own special character.

It celebrates everything from the urban centres of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch to the rural villages.

And at £9.95 the new guide will also make a great gift - but hurry, as last year's edition sold out completely.

Copies of the Daily Echo Snapshots of the Past book are also on sale. Packed with hundreds of photos covering the past 60 or so years, the 212-page book costs £9.95 and is now available from Echo offices in Bournemouth, Poole and Blandford, as well as branches of WH Smiths, Borders, Westbourne Bookshop and other selected bookshops and newsagents.