A CWMBRAN author has produced a book of farewell letters from service men and women spanning more than 200 years.

Sian Price, 38, of Holly Lodge Gardens, Croesyceiliog, has produced her first book 'If You're Reading This' which is a collection of around 60 letters written from soldiers to their loved ones.

The letters are from nine different conflicts from the Napoleonic wars to modern wars including the Falkland conflict and Afghanistan. Miss Price, a TV producer, spent three years researching through archives and military diaries to produce the book.

She said: "It was particularly poignant meeting the families of the soldiers from recent conflicts- there were a lot of tears. The letters were really powerful as it's the voice of that person in their own words and they were intensely personal.

"The letters have a real variation over the centuries in terms of style but they were all letters of love and about getting through the war. You are forced to recognise the real people in war and the ripple effects on their families."

Some of the letters were written or dictated as the person lay dying while others have never been sent. They cover a range of nationalities and rank including a Japanese Kamikaze pilot.

The book is £ 14.99 and for more information visit www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/