An era is drawing to a close. The closure and demolition of the Meridian TV studios in Southampton later this year will mark the end 46 years of ITV in the city.

Meridian will move to a new state-of-the- art TV centre at Whiteley to begin broadcasting. But the studio will leave behind many memories at the Northam Bridge site which began life as a cinema.

Meridian are the third TV producers to be based at the site, which began broadcasting as Southern TV.

TVS followed Southern in 1982, and then Meridian took over in 1993.

Home to many household names, including the ever-green Fred Dinenage, the TV studios will hold many memories for staff and viewers alike.

Meridian are planning several events to mark the end of production in Southampton, and have joined forces with the Daily Echo to produce a commemorative book: The Dream factory.

The book will chart the history of ITV in Southampton and will include a host of interviews and photographs from the early years right up to the present day, including the new studios.

n If you have memories of Southern TV TVS or Meridian then the Daily Echo would like to hear from you.

Were you in the audience for a show, or perhaps you simply recall all those marvellous programmes that were the backdrop to your life.

Perhaps you have photos to go with your memories. We want to know.

Why not write to features editor Andy Bissell at the paper or email him at andy.bissell@soton-echo.co.uk.