WARTIME favourite Dame Vera Lynn has given her backing to the Daily Echo Spitfire campaign.

Dame Vera is supporting the scheme for a tribute to the aircraft which was designed and built here in Southampton and went on to become one of the saviours of the Second World War.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Squadron Leader Alan Jones, director of the Southampton Hall of Aviation, who has set up a fund for people to donate towards a £100,000 bronze replica of the aircraft, which he wants to stand on Chilworth roundabout.

So far, members of the public have donated nearly £10,000 to the campaign, which is enough to buy a model for the mould of the tribute.

But Sqdn Ldr Jones is now appealing to small businesses in the area to take the scheme on to the next stage.

He is asking companies to donate a minimum of £500 to the campaign.

In return, they will receive a limited edition certificate signed by Dame Vera Lynn and Mayor of Southampton Chris Kelly, plus a mention in the Daily Echo.

The company's name will also appear on the memorial.

Sqdn Ldr Jones said: "We are thrilled to bits that such a well-known wartime personality is backing this scheme for a Spitfire tribute.

"Dame Vera hopes that her support for the scheme will encourage local businesses to contribute to this important tribute to this great aircraft and the Southampton people that built it.

"I am pleased to say that we have raised sufficient funds, nearly £10,000, which enables us to secure the model which will be used to make the mould for the final sculpture.

"The actual bronze aircraft will be a Mk 1 - a type built at the Woolston factory.

"We are also appealling to the public to continue to contribute to the scheme to realise this wonderful tribute to the people of Southampton."

Anyone who is interested in donating to the Spitfire monument fund should write to the Southampton Hall of Aviation, Albert Road South, Southampton, SO14 3FR, or telephone 023 8063 5830.