Dame Vera Lynn in the charts again at 92

Ninety-two year-old singer Vera Lynn has become the oldest living artist ever to have an album in the UK’s top 20.

The legendary singer became famous in the Second World War as the forces’ sweetheart when she kept up the spirits of millions of troops with her singing and entertainment.

Her album, We'll Meet Again - The Very Best of Vera Lynn, entered the charts along with other current pop luminaries Arctic Monkeys, who took number one spot with their new album, Humbug.

Dame Vera yesterday said she was thrilled to be back in the charts: “I am extremely excited and delighted to be back in the charts after all these years.”

Dame Vera’s album has been released to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the declaration of World War II on Thursday 3 September.

Music commentator Paul Gambaccini said the success of the album was due to the enduring quality of the songs. He said: “A lot of people have fond memories of Vera Lynn and a learned appreciation of her songs from hearing them later on. We are observing the 70th anniversary of the declaration of World War Two, which must make Vera Lynn popular again.”

A spokeswoman from Dame Vera’s record company, Decca, said: “She has proven that music of this vintage and significance can still resonate with the British public.”

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