A LEGENDARY performer who embodied Britain’s resistance and determination during the Second World War is supporting this year’s Haworth 1940s Weekend fundraising effort.

Dame Vera Lynn has signed 70 limited edition prints of a picture commissioned by event organisers.

One of these prints was due to be auctioned off, but the remainder are on sale from Firth’s Boutique in Haworth Main Street.

All proceeds will go towards the charity which the 1940s weekend is supporting – the Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA).

Haworth resident, Andrew Kissack, who came up with the idea of commissioning the pictures, said he was delighted to have had the opportunity to meet 98-year-old Dame Vera when she began signing the prints last week.

“She’s a fantastic lady, with no airs and graces,” he said. “She kept people’s morale up and she was the embodiment of what saw so many people through to the end of the war.”

Mr Kissack, who lives in Ashfield Terrace and has been involved with the 1940s Weekend since 2000, explained the picture was created by Sussex-based artist John Francis and printed by Howard Baker.

All three men have given their time and skills free of charge to maximise the amount that will go to SSAFA.

The picture celebrates 70 years since the Allied victory in Europe, and features Dame Vera, Spitfires over the white cliffs of Dover and St Paul’s Cathedral illuminated by searchlights making a V for victory sign.

Haworth Main Street trader, Nikki Carroll, who is also part of the 1940s weekend organising committee, said: “I was completely overwhelmed by the print. It’s fantastic, and has a real feel-good theme, which is very much in keeping with the weekend.

“I’ve spoken to the artist about how pleased I am with it. Credit to him for the design, and our thanks go to the creative Andy Kissack who instigated the idea, as well as to printer Howard Baker and, of course, Dame Vera Lynn.”

Most of the prints signed by Dame Vera are available from Firth’s Boutique for £200 each. Another 400 signed by artist John Francis are on sale for £20 each.

Dame Vera, who now lives in Sussex, was widely known as ‘The Forces’ Sweetheart’ during the war.

Her musical recordings – including We’ll Meet Again and The White Cliffs of Dover – and performances were enormously popular. She toured Egypt, India and Burma during the conflict, giving outdoor concerts for serving personnel.