Dame Vera Lynn dresses on sale in Sussex charity shop

• Watch the full report by ITV Meridian's Charlotte Wilkins

Dresses and other garments once worn by the late Dame Vera Lynn have been donated to a Sussex charity shop to raise money for a local hospice.

She was the forces sweetheart who not only raised morale during World War Two but raised hundreds of thousands pounds for local charities throughout her life. 

Her legacy continues. Dame Vera’s daughter, Virgina Lewis-Jones has donated around 60 garments worn by the singer to a charity shop in Lewes, not far from the village of Ditchling where she lived for over 40 years. 

The items include a number of glamourous cocktail dresses and gowns, which she wore for events and performances on stage. They have sparked the interest of young and old. 

Many of the dresses donated were made specifically for Dame Vera, and a few of them weren’t quite finished. Some customers even found pins in them as they were trying them on.

Dame Vera was a patron of the St Peter and St James’ Hospice for over 10 years. The money raised will make a huge difference to the charity after what has been a turbulent 18 Months. 

Some of the dresses and suits have already been sold and raised £5,000 at a special event Remembrance event. But with a few items still to sell, the charity hopes to double that.