Bids can still be made for an evening dress belonging to wartime singing star Dame Vera Lynn at an internet celebrity auction.

The sale was extended because of its popularity.

Dame Vera, 84, who lives in Ditchling, hopes to raise money for the Dame Vera Lynn School for Parents at Ingfield Manor, near Billingshurst, by auctioning her dress and one of her paintings.

The auction, featuring a huge selection of celebrity items, was due to take place on October 31 but the public has now been given until November 18 to make bids.

Dame Vera has spearheaded a campaign to save the school since it was earmarked for closure by Scope in March because of lack of funds.

She has promised to meet whoever buys the evening dress, which was designed for her to wear on BBC show Vera Lynn Sings.

Money raised will reach the school via registered charity Stars Organisation Supporting Cerebral Palsy.

Bids can be made at www.chivas.com