THE Forces Sweetheart has been praised for her outstanding dedication to charity after her death at 103.

Tributes have poured in for Dame Vera Lynn from countless people who have been touched by her generosity over several decades, most notably the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, which was established by the We’ll Meet Again singer in 2001.

The charity supports under-fives with cerebral palsy and other motor learning impairments to realise their full potential.

A spokesman for the life-changing initiative said they were “overwhelmed with sadness” at news of Dame Vera’s death.

He said: “She was loved the world over and touched the hearts of millions of people, none more so than the families and children at her own charity.

“We are proud and thankful to have known and worked with such a wonderful and inspirational woman.

“We would love to hear your stories about Dame Vera, particularly from those families who attended the School for Parents at Ingfield Manor School when this charity was based there from 2001 to 2016.

“Please send us your stories, photos and memories of Dame Vera.

“Her memory will live on in the work she started here at our charity for children with cerebral palsy.”

An appeal to support the charity by donating in her memory has already raised more than £3,000.

It can be found at justgiving.com/campaign/keepsmilingthrough.

With Dame Lynn’s stewardship as the charity’s president, the lives of many Sussex families have been changed for the better.

Haywards Heath mother Elena Richmond praised the singer for helping her daughter India, seven, in “so many ways”.

At 18 months old, India had an MRI scan which confirmed that she had cerebral palsy.

“At the beginning I had separated myself from all my friends who had had babies as I found it difficult to cope with the fact that my experience had been different,” Ms Richmond said.

“Right from that first moment I was made to feel so welcome [by the charity] and felt enveloped in care.”

Speaking yesterday, she said: “I am so sad that I never got to thank her in person for everything her incredible charity has done for my daughter and us as a family.

“My mum used to work in George Hilton’s in Haywards Heath before having me in the late 70s in the linen department and she used to serve Dame Vera Lynn.

“I always found it incredible that this wonderful lady and her charity helped my daughter in so many ways all those years later.”

The Argus and its charity arm The Argus Appeal enjoyed a close relationship with Dame Vera Lynn and her foundation.

The Argus Appeal donated £5,000 to the charity in 2012, one of a number of donations.

The appeal’s co-ordinator Elsa Gillio said: “We were always happy to support Dame Vera Lynn and her wonderful charity through the years.

“We always considered her a great friend and, although it is very sad to hear of her passing, what a wonderful life she has lived.”

Elsa said Dame Lynn attended an Argus event in aid of the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday in 2000.

“The veterans who were grown men were in tears just because they got to see her,” she said.

Former Worthing mayor and former head of Variety Club Mike Mendoza, who helped organise the event, described Dame Vera as a “wonderful lady, always ready to support local charities”.

The Second World War icon helped many causes over a period spanning more than half a century.

Best-selling novelist Peter James, who also lives in Sussex, said: “So very sad to hear the news this wonderful lady has died.

“She was my co-patron at Crimestoppers for very many years, and always an utter joy to meet and be with. We are all lucky to have had her with us for so long. But it’s never long enough.”

The tributes were echoed by Mark Hallas, chief executive of the charity.

He said: “Dame Vera Lynn was incredibly supportive of our charity’s work and held the position of patron of Crimestoppers in Sussex from 2006 to the present day. She shared our values and believed strongly in safe communities, fronting many of Crimestoppers’ campaigns and attending numerous fundraising events.

“Dame Vera will be dearly missed and her contribution not just to Crimestoppers, but to our wider society and culture, will stand the test of time. We will always be grateful to her.”