A NORTH-EAST wartime singer, who performed at more than 100 care homes during the coronavirus outbreak, has said she will keep singing to continue 'Vera's' legacy.

Paying tribute to Dame Vera Lynn, who died earlier today, Deborah Taylor-Smith, known as Wor Vera, said she had been left in 'shock' as she described the death a tragedy.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Wor Vera has been performing at care homes across the North-East in a bid to raise the spirits of residents unable to see their loved ones.

But speaking to The Northern Echo on Thursday, Ms Taylor-Smith said: "I am in shock. This morning I've had messages left, right and centre from family and friends.

"They know the impact she’s had on me and my love for music, I am devastated.

"I know she was 103 but she’s someone I thought would be there a lot longer and I am just hoping her music will live on."

The Northern Echo: Wor VeraWor Vera

Although Ms Taylor-Smith never got the chance to meet Dame Vera, she said she had longed for the day she could meet her to say thank you for her music. 

She said: "I wanted to meet her eventually and now I can’t do that. She's someone I would have loved to have watched perform.

"I'd have liked to have just thanked her for all the music she has brought to the world. It’s a tragedy."

Vowing to continue singing in remembrance of Dame Vera, Ms Taylor-Smith said: "I am going to carry on with her music and even more so now.

"Her music needs to stay because of what she did for our country in the 40s, she gave hope to many many people.

"I always felt like I was following in her footsteps but there’s nobody that could become as big as her. She’s the absolute star."

 Watch 'Wor Vera' peform outside Elizabeth Fleming Care Home in Hetton-le-Hole - see here: