Two original wartime Spitfire planes flew over the White Cliffs of Dover last Tuesday as a delayed tribute to forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn.

The (There’ll be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover singer celebrated her 100th birthday last Monday and in homage to her connection with our coastline, the 1944 aircraft were due to fly over a special centenary ceremony at the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Because of the typically poor British weather conditions, high winds meant the flight, and the erection of three bluebirds sculptures, could not happen.

But come Tuesday morning, when the sky was blue and the wind had dropped, the Vickers Supermarine Mk 9 Spitfires flew from Biggin Hill, rousing an “electric” atmosphere as the thundering sounds of the craft boomed overhead.

The stunt was the final instalment of the celebrations for Dame Vera, which included a star-studded variety show at the London Palladium in front of Her Majesty The Queen and a party on the cliffs yesterday with war veterans, WWII re-enactors, and 1940s’ singers.

It was organised by the National Trust which manages the lighthouse and the icon’s charity, the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity.

Pilar Cloud, Executive Manager at the Dame Vera Lynn’s Children’s Charity, added:

“Dame Vera is such a special lady who has spent her life helping others. From keeping the troops’ spirits up during the war to the work she continues to do today, helping families of young children with cerebral palsy, her efforts for others are never-ending.

“It’s typical of her that for her special birthday Dame Vera is asking for charity donations rather than gifts for herself – it was her selfless actions that first captured a nation’s heart seventy years ago and continue to do so today.”

To make a donation to the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity please click here