A tribute to Sir David Amess is to be included in a memorial for the late singer Dame Vera Lynn.

       The Southend West MP supported and helped launch a campaign to have a statue erected near the White Cliffs of Dover in honour of the forces’ sweetheart, following her death in June 2020.

       Dame Vera’s daughter Virginia Lewis-Jones said the memorial would now include a “significant and meaningful addition” paying tribute to Sir David that would be decided in the coming months.

       Dame Vera Lynn (Decca Records/PA)

       (PA Media)

       Sir David was fatally stabbed during a constituency surgery in October.

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       Ms Lewis-Jones said: “David was at the helm of the Dame Vera Lynn Memorial Statue. He held a deep love and respect for her, as well as the values she stood for.

       “He’s much missed, and our determination to see this project through has redoubled in his absence. We want to do him proud now, as well as my mother.”

       Sir David launched the appeal in June this year with an event at Maison Dieu in Dover, and was in regular contact with Ms Lewis-Jones about the progress of the fundraising.

       Ms Lewis-Jones added: “Our ambition for the Dame Vera Lynn Memorial is to make a permanent tribute to her on the White Cliffs at Dover.

       “It’s an iconic location and was extremely dear to my mother’s heart. It fits so perfectly with the symbolism of her life, her music, and the age in which her career flourished.”

       Sculptor Paul Day at the launch of the appeal (Gareth Fuller/PA)

       (PA Wire)

       The prospective location for the memorial to Dame Vera inspired her famous song The White Cliffs Of Dover.

       Dame Vera was also known for hits including There’ll Always Be An England, I’ll Be Seeing You, Wishing and If Only I Had Wings.

       Sculptor Paul Day has been chosen to create the memorial.

       He said: “This won’t be yet another figure on a plinth but a tableau full of life and detail.

       “It will be an engaging work of art; beautiful and impressive, but also intimate, reflective and educational.

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       “Dame Vera’s life was characterised by joy and good humour in the face of life’s struggles.

       “That is the spirit in which we aim to deliver a most memorable and accessible piece of public art.”