THEY were decades that saw extraordinary events that changed the face of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and the surrounding towns and villages.

And all the time the Daily Echo photographers were there to record the dramatic moments.

Now we are about to publish a special Daily Echo Snapshots of the Past book, packed with literally hundreds of photos covering the past 60 or so years.

The 212-page book costing £9.95 should be available from Echo offices and shops from the beginning of November.

The pictures from our archives will take you on a remarkable journey that will bring memories flooding back. From the day the Luftwaffe wreaked havoc on Bournemouth in the Second World War to the day more than six decades later when the Queen came to Dorset to meet war veterans, the Snapshots of the Past book will trigger emotions.

It marks the triumphs and the tragedies that had such an effect on people in our community, as well as the developments that have dramatically changed so much of the landscape.

Remember the 1950s when the new running track opened in King's Park, Bournemouth? Or when zoologist Gerald Durrell brought back all sorts of exotic creatures to his home in the town? Our photographers were there.

Remember the 60s when Lord Louis Mountbatten tried his hand at 10-pin bowling? And the Queen went on a walkabout in Christchurch? And the Beatles raced model cars at the Winter Gardens between gigs? And the Mods and Rockers converged on Bournemouth beach? Remember the 1970s when Bournemouth's bus station was wrecked by fire? And when the Queen came to Poole Quay and Princess Anne visited Blandford? And the 80s when George Best turned out for Bournemouth? And the Wessex Way was opened? And a huge blaze hit the BDH factory in Poole?

Or the 90s when Leeds United fans rioted in Bournemouth? And Poole power station's chimneys were demolished? And Maggie Thatcher took a ride on the land train on Bournemouth promenade?

We were there and we've got the pictures to prove it. Now you can share in the memories they trigger with our Snapshots of the Past book.

And remember you can still buy the Daily Echo's popular Down Your Way book, a guide to all the towns and villages in Echo Country. It explores more than 350 places in our neighbourhood, each with a character of its own. At £9.95 it, too, will be a great gift for Christmas.

First published: October 19