A Southampton MP has joined calls for a memorial to Dame Vera Lynn claiming it will make an "important difference".

Royston Smith is one of almost 100 members of Parliament to back the campaign for a memorial to the "We'll meet again" and "The White Cliffs of Dover" singer.

Led by Dover's Natalie Elphicke, the campaign has seen MPs write to the Prime Minister calling for the Government to provide funding to complete the memorial. 

Mr Smith, who represents Southampton Itchen, said Dame Vera made an "enormous contribution" to the country. 

In 2000, the forces' sweetheart was voted the Briton who best exemplified the spirit of the 20th century.

She died in 2020 having devoted much of her life to charity work for ex-servicemen, disabled children and breast cancer.

READ MORE: American troops passing through Southampton for D Day

Royston Smith said: "I am pleased to back the campaign for a memorial to the late Dame Vera Lynn CH.

"Dame Vera Lynn made an enormous contribution to our country and I have recently signed a letter to the Prime Minister calling for the Government to provide funding to complete the memorial.

"Local groups have worked hard to raise funds, and this memorial will make an important difference.

"Supporting our history, heritage, and contributions of great people from this country is important, I am pleased to support this initiative alongside many other colleagues."

Daily Echo: Dame Vera Lynn rehearsing for the radio show 'Sincerely Yours'.Dame Vera Lynn rehearsing for the radio show 'Sincerely Yours'. (Image: PA/PA Wire)

Following the lead of Dame Vera's daughter, Virginia Lewis-Jones and son-in-law Tom Jones, fundraisers have made "great progress" towards the memorial.

MPs say however that this is a big project and taxpayer support is needed to complete the memorial.

It follows the announcement of this support being made available in the March budget. 

Natalie Elphicke MP for Dover and Deal said “I am hugely grateful to have the support of Royston Smith MP for backing this important campaign.

"This national memorial would serve to inspire women and girls by telling Dame Vera’s story – her famous songs, her commitment to national duty in time of peril and helping others through charity and community work.”