IN 1939, at the outbreak of the second major war of the last century, Vera Lynn was the focus of hope in a hopeless world.

In 1914, Earl Grey said that the lights had gone out all over Europe and in 1939 the lights had gone out again.

People would say in public “we’ll win”, but in their hearts they had doubts.

My generation congratulates her for her 100 years and are thankful for the way she helped keep up morale during a grim period in our history.

I hope the lights don’t go out again, but with President Trump and the madness in the Peoples Democratic Republic of Korea over how far they can launch a nuclear strike, the position seems potentially far worse.

Is there another Vera Lynn to cheer us up?

Geoff Bulmer, Billingham