A minibus has been named after a national treasure who "lifted spirits” across the country.

Dame Vera Lynn, famed for entertaining troops during the Second World War, lived in Ditchling.

The beloved singer died in 2020, and now a minibus serving the community “she felt so passionately about” will be named after her.

The minibus, owned by Community Transport (CT) Sussex was named on Tuesday, June 20. 

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 “We were honoured to have had Dame Vera as our patron during her lifetime and were incredibly grateful for all her support,” said Matt Roberts, chief executive of CT Sussex.

“Naming one of our Bluebird buses after this national treasure is a gesture of thanks from CT Sussex.

“I know that the local communities we serve will be delighted to see such a wonderful tribute to such an important figure in our history both locally and nationally.”

Virginia Lewis-Jones, Dame Vera’s daughter, said: “One of my mother’s greatest achievements was her ability to lift people’s spirits, and naming the minibus after my mother sets out to do just that.

"This will ensure that people within the community who struggle to do all the things they want due to lack of transport, are provided with the means to overcome that.”