The powerful 'letters to loved ones' project to mark VE Day 80 'Letters written to family and friends are today a fascinating source of information about everyday life in wartime Britain' British soldiers man a post during the war (Image: Getty Images ) Facing the horrors of conflict miles away from home, pens, pencils and paper were often the only means of communication available for soldiers in the Second World War. From the frontline, many thousands were penned for loved ones. And equally, family and friends anxiously awaiting news returned their thoughts, good wishes, news and love in letters, notes and photographs. ‌ Article continues below Now Imperial War Museums (IWM) has issued a rallying call for the public to share their family letters ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day next month. Families are being encouraged to delve into their own histories to discover and reveal the letters sent by their relatives to loved ones. IWM said its 'Letters to Loved Ones' project would bring together first-hand testimonies of those who were there, including soldiers on the front line; men, women and children on the home front; or relatives who contributed to Britain's war effort from British Empire and Commonwealth countries. A live event will take place at IWM North at Salford Quays on Wednesday, May 7, the day before the 80th anniversary of VE Day. ‌ VE Day celebrations in Manchester in 1945 (Image: Topfoto/PA Images ) Jointly produced by IWM and the National Theatre, letters the public submit written by their families in the Second World War will become part of a performance, featuring young people and some familiar faces. Letters from IWM's own collection will also be included, highlighting some of the first-hand accounts of those that lived, fought and died during the most devastating conflict in history. Join our Manc Life WhatsApp group HERE ‌ A spokesperson said: "During the Second World War, letter writing helped to ease the pain of separation between soldiers and other displaced people, and their loved ones. "Receiving letters from family and friends was also vital for morale, keeping men and women connected to the homes they had left behind. Letters written to family and friends are today a fascinating source of information about everyday life in wartime Britain." Members of the public are invited to take pictures of their letters and upload them to the official website at ve-vjday80.gov.uk ‌ Imperial War Museum North (Image: Manchester Evening News ) Caro Howell MBE, IWM Director-General said: "Letters to Loved Ones is an opportunity for families across the UK to learn about the Second World War, its aftermath and why it remains so relevant today. We know there's a wealth of stories waiting to be rediscovered. Letters to Loved Ones will bring the nation together in a moment of national commemoration by shining a light on the personal accounts of those who were there. If you have any Second World War letters you’d love to share, we want to hear from you." IWM is not seeking original copies of letters. Families are being encouraged to keep them in their own personal collections for future generations and should only share digital images of the letters on the official UK Government VE and VJ Day website ve-vjday80.gov.uk -where they will be shared with the nation. Article continues below Stories shared on the official VE and VJ Day website will remain free and accessible, helping to shape our understanding of the Second World War both now and in the future. IWM will also be delving into its own rich collections, creating special school packs to help teachers share some of the testimonies in classes, with children encouraged to learn, discuss and get a greater understanding of the history and legacy of VE Day and why the Second World War remains so relevant today.