Dame Vera Lynn funeral - Flypast as country says goodbye to Forces' Sweetheart

DAME Vera Lynn was honoured with a Spitfire flypast ahead of her funeral as the nation said a last goodbye to the "forces' sweetheart".

The adored singer, who entertained troops with morale-boosting visits to the front line during the Second World War, died aged 103 on June 18.

At midday two Spitfires - one the most famous wartime aircraft from the Battle of Britain - soared over her home village Ditchling, East Sussex, to pay respects to the singer.

The aircraft made three passes over the quiet village before leaving to applause from the crowd.

The cortege bearing Dame Vera's coffin - which is draped in a Union flag - then made its way to Brighton Crematorium for a private funeral service.

As the funeral cortege made its way out of the village where Dame Vera lived for 60 years, there were shouts of "hip hip hooray" from the crowd in her honour.

It was followed by a spontaneous rendition of We'll Meet Again, one of the songs Dame Vera was well-known for.

Hundreds of people gathered at the crossroads in Ditchling.

The cortege arrived in the centre of Ditchling as a bell tolled and applause from the crowd greeted the convoy, which was led by soldiers.

Mourners awaited the arrival of the Battle of Britain Memorial flypast.

Royal British Legion representatives stood in the road with flags as they waited to honour Dame Vera.

A small police presence has been on hand to ensure proceedings go smoothly as the village comes to a standstill.

TV personality Zoe Ball attended with boyfriend Michael Reed and was pictured wiping away a tear.

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Dame Vera Lynn honoured with Spitfire flypast ahead of funeral as nation says goodbye to ‘forces sweetheart’
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