NORTH-EAST lass Amy Shawe has had it tough from the day of her shameful birth with even her granddad rubbing salt into her wounds.

Brought up by her Sunderland relatives, she either spends her time working her fingers to the bone for her aunt or fending off her groping lecherous cousin.

Marrying a wealthy widower seems to offer an escape but he turns out to be the husband from hell. When war breaks out she is looking for another knight to rescue her and, after joining the WAAF, she is swept off her feet by a dashing pilot.

But her past resurfaces to plunge her into despair before the dark clouds drift away to reveal a horizon with the promise of true happiness.

Forget the sob-sob saga, this is a flesh and blood drama to touch any soul.