An appeal to protect the White Cliffs of Dover has hit its £1 million target in just three weeks.

There were fears the iconic landmark could be sold to developers, prompting the fundraising drive by the National Trust.

It was backed by the Dame Vera Lynn, whose 1942 song about the cliffs helped secure her reputation as "The Forces' Sweetheart".

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The donations will allow the trust to buy 7,000 square metres of land immediately behind the clifftop.

The area is home to more than 40 species of flowers and grasses per square metre, and provides habitats for butterflies and birds.

A trust says the funds will enable them to restore habitat and land conditions, improve public access and inspire future generations to connect with the heritage and history of the area.

The £1 million will be used towards the cost of the purchase, along with money from the trust's Neptune coastal fund.

White Cliffs general manager Virginia Portman said: "We have been absolutely blown away by the public’s response to our appeal.

"Over 17,500 people have made donations in the last few weeks and thanks to their generosity, this wonderful landscape now belongs to the nation, forever."

Dame Vera added: "My thanks to everyone who embraced the campaign to protect this national icon.

"The White Cliffs of Dover are a significant landmark and it is so encouraging to know that they will now be protected for future generations."

Dover MP Charlie Elphicke said: “Our iconic White Cliffs are a symbol of freedom and our nation’s wartime defiance.

“I’m delighted that so many people have rallied together to raise £1 million in less than three weeks.

“It just goes to show how deeply people care about protecting our greatest landmark for future generations to enjoy.”