Many of us have heard the inspirational stories of those who fought – and often died – overseas during the two world wars to help keep peace at home, but not everyone knows about the hard work others who kept us safe on the home front.

Weston-super-Mare had its very own team of Home Guard heroes who kept people safe from falling bombs and helped when buildings were damaged in the Blitz.

Anthony Keyes’ grandfather Lieutenant PD O’Connell was the platoon commander of Weston’s Home Guard – the Motor Transport Section of the 8th Somerset Battalion.

Mr Keyes was inspired to send us this photograph as this week a film adaptation of the British classic TV sitcom Dad’s Army is hitting the big screens with an all-star cast.

Lt O’Connell, who rose to the rank of Major by the end of World War Two, headed up Weston’s Home Guard and recruited new members.

He printed recruitment posters with his phone number – which had only three digits.

He fought in World War One but when World War Two came around he was 40 and deemed too old to fight.

He lived in Longton Grove Road in the town centre, which was bombed heavily in the Blitz, and during the bombing which destroyed the nearby church an incendiary came down his chimney. He also organised the VE and VJ Day celebrations in Weston, taking the lead in the parades through the town centre.

Dad’s Army will be showing at the Curzon cinema in Clevedon from tomorrow (Friday). For tickets and more information visit www.curzon.org.uk

The Mercury has teamed up with the Curzon to offer two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show.