DAME Vera Lynn has warmly praised The War and Peace Show for its initiative in holding a free Schools Day for children to learn about the Second World War.

She said: "I think this is a wonderful idea. It's very important that children learn about what happened 70 years ago, and by seeing the vehicles and equipment used in the War they can get a much clearer understanding of that."

Dame Vera, now 93, will be attending the Show, at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, on Friday July 23 when she will be presented with a £5,000 cheque for the Dame Vera Lynn Trust for Children with Cerebral Palsy. The presentation will be made by Rex Cadman, organiser of the War and Peace Show.

"Donations like this are vital if we are to keep our school going," she said. "We get absolutely no assistance from the State because the children we cater for are under school age.

"We teach them simple things essential for living that other children take for granted. Things like sitting, standing and holding a spoon. In the current economic climate fund raising is not going to be easy so the War and Peace Show donation is particularly welcome."

Rex Cadman said: "Education is a very important part of what the War and Peace Show is all about. We are glad to be able to make a contribution towards Dame Vera's Trust, partly because it's an excellent cause badly in need of funds, and partly out of respect for someone who did more to lift morale during the Second World War than any other entertainer."

During her visit, Dame Vera will dedicate a Bren gun carrier that was named after her by its British crew during WW2.

The rare vehicle is owned by Brian Laker, of Yalding, Kent, who discovered it in Virginia, USA, and brought it back to England in February this year. "It wasn't till we started stripping it down that we discovered British colours and markings, and the name Vera Lynn clearly painted on it," he said.

"I was thrilled. I met Dame Vera some time ago and spent half an hour talking to her. She is a delightful lady."

Dame Vera will spend an hour meeting veterans of the Second World War at a special Veterans Centre at the Show. All Veterans of WW2 have been invited to attend free.

End

For further information contact Jacqui Curtis, Marketing Manager on 01622 870804 email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Peter Cook on 01795 536915/07796 172680 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .