SHE was their sweetheart 60 years ago and for many old soldiers remains so today.

So when Dame Vera Lynn paid a visit to Canterbury on Sunday, their blazers were pressed and medals polished for the special date.

The event was organised at Asda supermarket as part of its VE anniversary celebrations which featured staff dressed as land army girls and soldiers and even a wartime air raid bunker.

Dame Vera had been persuaded to visit by the store manager Glen Ford who knew her from previous charity work they had done together.

Members of the Royal British Legion and Normandy Veterans’ Association gathered in anticipation in the store foyer for the arrival of their heroine who looked remarkably radiant for her 88 years.

When she made her appearance, escorted by Mr Ford, who was dressed as Winston Churchhill for the occasion, there was almost a scrum for her attention.

She said: “I have been doing this ever since the war and it’s always the same but a great thrill. They all want to tell me their stories.”

Among the veterans was Ray Newport whose daughter Sue bought him Dame Vera’s book, We’ll Meet Again for Fathers’ Day. And he was astonished to find a picture in the book of him with others members of 31 Squadron with Dame Vera.

He said: “I used to have the photograph but couldn’t find it. But there it was, used in her book, which Dame Vera kindly signed for me.”

She was presented with a bouquet by eight-year-old Aimee Lavery, whose mother Kelly works at the store.

Beryl Harrison also presented her with an embroidered penant in the shape of the VE day symbol which read Six years of Sacrifice for 60 years of Freedom.

Colin Brooks, who organises the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, said: “It’s very exciting for us to see her. She still symbolises the spirit of the time and has done remarkable work for ex-service organisations ever since.”