A new DVD has been released looking back into the archives of the Surrey Comet, bringing to life an insight into Kingston in times gone by.

Kingston - The Way We Were - a century in the life of the royal borough combines stories from the Comet archives with old photos and cine film to present a fascinating look back at the borough’s history.

The Kingston Guardian and Surrey Comet is offering the DVDs for £15.50 and topics include the coming of the railway, the opening of the electric tramway, and the problems caused by motor cars in the ancient streets.

The joyous scenes at the removal of tolls on Kingston Bridge, the celebrations to commemorate landmarks in the town’s history, and the Charter Day festivities in Surbiton and New Malden are included.

Surrey Comet:

The DVD also covers the visit to Kingston of George VI and the Coronation Day parties for Elizabeth II.

It also reveals the remarkable role of the district during the Second World War and the death and destruction wrought on Kingston, Surbiton and New Malden, first by bombs, and later, the dreaded V1 and V2 rockets.

The DVD is produced exclusively for the Kingston Guardian and is narrated by award-winning actor, Howard Ellison.

The running time is about 50 minutes.

SPECIAL OFFER Buy Kingston - The Way We Were and get a free DVD The Way We Were in the 1950s. With archive film and newsreel footage this DVD looks back at life in 1950s Britain.

HOW TO BUY The DVD costs £15.50. You can pick one up in person at Surrey Comet, Quadrant House, Sutton SM2 5AS; online at britainonfilm.co.uk; or you can send a cheque, payable to Kingston Guardian, to the above address.

Please add £1.20 per copy (total £16.70) for DVDs not collected in person.