Residents at a coronavirus-hit care home where 14 people have died were treated to a Vera Lynn themed concert to boost their spirits.

Tribute star Deborah Taylor-Smith, known locally as ‘Wor Vera’, sang a selection of Lynn’s wartime classics such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘White Cliffs of Dover’.

The 37-year-old was dressed head to toe in 1940’s Navy attire, topped with Victory rolls, as she performed for an hour to residents at Stanley Park Care Home, Durham.

Deborah, a mum-of-four, said: ‘It makes me so happy, if I can spread joy through singing then why not. It is worth its weight in gold to see the residents.

‘I am just singing songs, I am just a singer, it is not an important job but to
me it is the best job in the world because it makes other people smile.

‘I have been boosting morale, I feel a little bit like how Vera Lynn might
have felt, making people feel happy and positive during a difficult time.’

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Dame Vera Lynn, who turned 103 last month, is best known for performing for the troops during World War Two, in countries including Egypt, India and Burma.

In the video of Deborah’s performance, residents of the care home , many of whom have dementia, can be seen dancing and singing along to Lynn’s famous tunes.

Wedding photographer Kelly Matthews, who organised the special event with her friend, said the pair wanted to bring some joy to the community during these difficult times.

Stanley Park confirmed its 14th death from the coronavirus outbreak on Friday. The death toll rose rapidly after the first case of coronavirus was announced in late March.

Kelly said: ‘Stanley Park has had a lot of bad press recently, the care home has suffered from a lot.

‘They have lost a lot of residents but it is all over the country. I wanted
to bring happiness and joy to the residents instead of leaving them sat and
thinking about it.

‘They get to enjoy life for an hour. You could see the residents, there are
quite a few with dementia and they recognised the songs, they were singing
along and dancing.

‘It is nostalgic for them, they recognise what they used to know.’

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