STAFF and residents at a Poole care home have paid tribute to Dame Vera Lynn, the Forces' Sweetheart whose songs helped the nation through World War II.

The singer, best known for performing hits such as We'll Meet Again to troops, died yesterday aged 103.

Just last week the residents at Colten Care's Canford Chase home received a personal response from Dame Vera, after they made and sent her a card for her 103rd birthday.

No-one ever expected a response, but as it has transpired, Dame Vera did reply, in a typed letter sent by her personal assistant which was framed by the residents almost immediately.

After learning of Dame Vera's passing, the residents were saddened by the news.

Home manager Charlotte Wilson, speaking to the Echo yesterday, said: "I told them myself and they are very sad. They all realised she wasn't a young lady, but the fact we had that communication with her - the letter only came through to us on June 9th - that makes it even more poignant.

"We have raised a glass to her, we've had a glass of sherry. Now they are playing Vera Lynn's music."

Charlotte said her residents thought of Dame Vera as a true icon.

"This all started because Dame Vera, just on the eve of the lockdown, sent out messages to the elderly population to 'keep smiling on through'. This was a bit of a morale booster at the time, a feeling we would get through this," said Charlotte

It was after this the residents decided to send Dame Vera a birthday card.

Charlotte said: "We never expected a response, none of us ever expected to hear from her."

Dame Vera's response to her birthday card was: "Thank you so much for the beautiful handmade birthday card, which took pride of place on my mantelpiece.

“It was very special to see your happy faces and to know that you ‘keep smiling through’.

“In these difficult times, it’s so important to smile and the beautiful yellow flowers in your photos are bright and cheery.

“I send you all my very best wishes and thank you again for taking the trouble to produce such a very special birthday card.”

Meanwhile, speaking before news of Dame Vera's death, Colten Care resident Doris Storey, who celebrated her 101st birthday in lockdown just after Dame Vera became 103, said: “It was so lovely that we did the card and photoshoot, and that Vera Lynn replied.

"She would obviously have had lots of cards.”