Dame Vera Lynn will mark her 100th birthday by releasing a new album

Dame Vera Lynn will celebrate turning 100 this year with the release of an album. 

The singer, who was known as the "forces' sweetheart" during the second world war, will release a collection of re-orchestrated versions of her most famous music alongside her original vocals.

The album will include guest features from Alfie Boe on We'll Meet Again, Alexander Armstrong on White Cliffs of Dover and Aled Jones on As Time Goes By.  

Released three days before her 100th birthday, it is thought that Lynn will be the first singer to release a new album as a centenarian. 

“It’s truly humbling that people still enjoy these songs from so many years ago, reliving the emotions of that time," Lynn told the Guardian. I was after all just doing my job as a singer – and it’s so wonderful for me to hear my songs again so beautifully presented in a completely new way.”

The singer made history in June 2014, when she became the oldest living artist to reach the Top 20 on the Official Albums Chart with her album National Treasure. 

Back in 2009 she became the oldest living artist to score a Number 1 on the chart, with her Very Best Of collection, at the age of 93. 

Look back at Vera Lynn's complete Official UK Chart history here, including nine Top 40 singles.

Article image: Rex