A church organist from South Staffordshire is to play the keyboards for Dame Vera Lynn in front of Princess Anne.

Jean Martyn today told of her delight at the prospect of performing at St James’ Palace in London.

The invitation came after the mother-of-one was talent-spotted at a Rotary event at the Symphony Hall in the summer. “It’s like something from a dream – I’m just in awe,” said Jean, who plays the organ at St Mary’s and St Chad’s Church in her home village of Brewood.

The self-styled queen of the keyboards has played professionally for the past 20 years and is regularly sought after by the BBC as a session player. She has appeared on the same bill as Ken Dodd, and plays all over the UK and Europe.

The concert on December 3 will see Jean accompany Dame Vera and 1940s group The Swinging Sweethearts for the Not Forgotten Heroes Association. She will also give a performance herself, playing a Christmas medley and The Warsaw Concerto to 300 war veterans of all ages.