AN image of Dame Vera Lynn has been projected on to the White Cliffs of Dover ahead of her funeral today.

The gesture is to honour the life of the "Forces' Sweetheart", who passed away on June 18, 2020, at the age of 103, and whose funeral is being held today. 

Dame Vera Lynn inspired troops during the Second World War with hit songs including We'll Meet Again and The White Cliffs of Dover.

Crowds are gathering in the picturesque village of Ditchling today, where she lived, to say goodbye to their "special local lady".

The cortege will leave her family home and pause at the crossroads in the centre of the village to allow residents to pay their respects.

The Argus:

At about midday, a Spitfire and a Hurricane - two of the most famous aircraft from the war - will soar over the village as a show of respect for Dame Vera.

Virginia Lewis-Jones, Dame Vera's daughter, said: "We want to thank everyone for their tremendous support over the past few weeks.

"My mother always appreciated receiving messages from all over the world, and Ditchling was always particularly special to her, that is why we know she would be touched that so many people want to pay their respects in the village tomorrow."

She asked that people follow Government guidance and respect Ditchling's residents if they are visiting from somewhere else.

She added: "It means so much to us to see my mother's legacy living on.

"We are sure her music will endure forever but most importantly, we hope that people will continue to support those charities that she cared about so much."