Top secret documents from D-Day invasions were found in the boot of an old Ford Escort and donated to a museum.

Maps and planning documents detailing top-secret plans were donated to House on the Hill museum.

The documents relate to the allied 'Gold Beach' invasion, part of the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.

The landings saw allied forces invade German-occupied France in five areas of Normandy to regain control.

Gold, the central of the five areas, was located between Port-en-Bessin on the west and the Lieu-dit La Rivière in Ver-sur-Mer on the east.

The documents were hidden for 80 years after the war inside a suitcase in an old Ford Escort.

The haul even contained secret off shore photos taken from a mini submarine by British special forces, and was only to be seen by high-ranking officials.

One of the documents is addressed to "Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!"

It reads: "You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months.

"The eyes of the world are upon you."

It warns: "The task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely."

The maps - due to their age and rarity - are estimated to be worth around £3,000.

They are on display in the D-Day exhibition at House on the Hill Toy Museum in Standsted Mountfitchet, Essex.