FORCES' Sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn has called on everyone to pull together, stay calm and be positive in the fight against coronavirus.

Dame Vera, who lives in Ditchling, helped bring the country together to build its Blitz spirit in the fight against the Nazis in the Second World War and has now focused her aim on Covid-19.

She said: “In these uncertain times, I am taken back to my time during the Second World War, when we all pulled together and looked after each other.

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“It is this spirit that we all need to find again to weather the storm of the coronavirus. It’s important to remain positive, keep calm and follow the sensible advice provided by the Government at this difficult time.”

Dame Vera became known as the Forces’ Sweetheart during the Second World War for travelling to conflict zones around the world to give morale-boosting performances to British troops.

One of her most famous songs, We’ll Meet Again, was released in 1939 and as war progressed it increasingly resonated with the British public.

Her popularity was such that she was voted the British Expeditionary Forces’ favourite singer, beating Bing Crosby and Judy Garland. She travelled across the world to entertain troops, including to Myanmar (then Burma), India and Egypt. She later recalled staying in grass huts and using a bucket of water for a shower.

Speaking ahead of her 103rd birthday on Friday she said: “Thank you all for the kind gifts, cards and gestures I’ve already received to celebrate my birthday this year.

“Once again, I am overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness and generosity, and am so grateful to you all for helping me to mark this milestone. I feel very fortunate to be reaching 103, and my day will be made all the more special by hearing from people all around the world. Thank you also for your generosity towards my charitable trust as I care very much about the work it does and the donations received around my birthday are the best gift imaginable.”