A COLLECTION of Dorset wartime memories has been announced as one of Britain's hidden treasures.

The Dorset Federation of Women's Institutes' War Records Book 1939-1945, was selected as one of five winners from 82 entries by libraries across the UK in a competition run by the British Library.

The collection will now be converted into a digital format and placed on the British Library's website where it will be accessible to a worldwide audience.

The record, housed at the Dorset History Centre, is a compilation of wartime reflections from each branch of the Women's Institute (WI) across the county.

It offers quaint personal tales of everyday life during an extraordinary time, including a number of photographs and watercolour illustrations.

Principal archivist at the history centre Jacqui Halewood said: "We are obviously delighted and so are the WI because it brings to light a wonderful volume."

The competition was designed to highlight undiscovered delights on display in the nation's libraries.

Chloe Tait, from the British Library, said: "It is safe to say that what really set the Dorset entry apart was its uniqueness, charm and status as a real 'hidden treasure'. It embodies what the competition is all about."

Dorset's entry was put forward by the Dorset Library Service. County archivist Hugh Jaques and senior manager for reading and learning Sharon Kirkpatrick attended a special ceremony at the British Library in London where they collected an award from Culture Minister Margaret Hodge MP.

Dorset County Council's spokesman for adult and community services Councillor David Crowhurst said: "I'm delighted that this important and vivid collection of the county's history and its communities has been so successful in winning this competition."

Head of cultural services Paul Leivers added: "The award is wonderful news for Dorset and we are delighted with it.

"It shows the potential for really exciting work of wide interest and benefit for people in Dorset when library staff and Dorset History Centre staff work together to use their skills and knowledge to promote the hidden treasures we have in the county."

The record can be viewed at the Dorset History Centre, Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4.30pm.