Hundreds of letters of support written by Lincolnshire Echo readers for the grieving families of victims of the American terrorist attacks have been delivered to the American Embassy in London.

Following the launch of the Echo’s Letter to America campaign, 400 readers opened their hearts and put pen to paper to offer words of hope, with the aim of helping those stricken by grief to come to terms with their loss.

Echo reporter Angela Peat handed over the letters to press attache Lee McClenny at the American Embassy in London’s Mayfair, who said that such support has proved profoundly helpful to Americans struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of the attacks.

Mr McClenny said: “On behalf of all American both here and at home we thank Echo readers from the bottom of our hearts.”

Written by children as young as five to people in their 80s, some sent in cards which bear just signatures and brief notes of condolence, while others took the time to write letters – some more than six pages long.

Now the US Embassy will ensure that the 209 letters to specific families and friends will reach their intended destinations in America, while the remaining letters will be placed in the country’s National Archives.

The paper’s editor Michael Sassi said: “The care and concern of so many Echo readers has made its own unique contribution to the way the world now moves forward beyond the horror of last month.”

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