THE Stroud News and Journal has been part of this community since 1854, and it has been our sad duty to report many deaths over the decades.

But we have also helped pay tribute to those whose lives have passed, ensuring by recording their achievements in print that their lives are never forgotten.

We have done that not just for the great and good, but for ordinary folk too – those who would never normally make headlines, but whose stories mean much to their loved ones and circle of friends and acquaintances.

It has always been part of what we do here at the SNJ, but now we want to ensure that tribute is paid to even more people, and that it is preserved for history in the columns of this newspaper.

So now we are launching a regular page to honour those who have recently died.

All you have to do is visit www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/obit and write a few sentences about your loved one, or fondly regarded friend or colleague. The service is free.

Alternatively, email your tribute to snjnews@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk, adding 'SNJ tributes' to the subject line.

We have also created a Facebook group where you can share the story of your loved one's life, share your memories of others who have passed away, and pay your condolences.

Just search for SNJ Tributes on Facebook.

Don't forget to include photographs with your tributes, whether using email or Facebook. It is always nice to see pictures of people when they were young as well as in later life.

Please note, you should continue to announce deaths, birth, marriages, anniversaries and in memoriams on our Family Notices page. Call 01453 755446 to speak to our friendly local staff.