She was the forces' sweetheart with the voice of an angel whose songs typified the spirit that won the war.

And now Dame Vera Lynn has backed our appeal to raise enough money for every veteran of the Normandy beaches to return one last time for the 65th anniversary of D-Day this June.

Her endorsement comes as the Western Daily Press can reveal the Normandy Veterans Association appeal for help has also touched the hearts of Hollywood's two biggest names.

Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks have answered an appeal for help from the association – and have decided to sponsor a veteran each to ensure they return to the beaches in June.

Dame Vera heard about the Daily Press appeal and sent a message of support, encouraging our readers' efforts to raise enough money to sponsor every West veteran who wants to return for the commemorations.

Her daughter Virginia Lewis-Jones said Dame Vera was pleased to back the appeal. "I am only too happy to support the Overlord Appeal, which assists veterans to travel to France," said Dame Vera. "It is an event like this that keeps the memory alive of what our boys did during World War II."

Captain Peter Hodge, the Bristol-based honorary secretary of the Normandy Veterans Association, said he was delighted to get Dame Vera's backing for the appeal, and said the association was hopeful of obtaining more backing from Hollywood.

"What happened was, a London-based businessman who is supporting the appeal got in touch with Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks in Los Angeles and asked them if they could do anything to help," said Capt Hodge.

American and Canadian veterans have their travel expenses paid by their Governments but the British Government said it would only pay for the 60th anniversary in 2004, and no more – apart from official commemorations in 2044, when surviving veterans would be about 120.

The Hollywood pair backed British veterans. "After all, the two of them brought the Normandy landings to life in Saving Private Ryan and we know that they are keen supporters of the veterans. We were delighted when we heard back that both of them agreed to sponsor a veteran from Britain," said Capt Hodge. "Other notable people who have supported us include Lord Archer."

This afternoon sees the fund-raising event in Somerset staged by a 14-year-old who shares his birthday with D-Day. As the Daily Press revealed earlier this week, Andrew Wilkinson is determined to raise enough to sponsor a veteran himself, and is staging a table top sale at Weare Memorial Hall, near Cheddar, between 2pm and 4pm. Some Normandy Veterans will be in attendance. All the tables have been taken, there will be a chance to pick up bargains – and donate to the Daily Press's appeal.