Hayley plans to visit Afghanistan

Hayley's packing her battle dress

By Richard Kay

Classical singer Hayley Westenra is taking her new role as Forces sweetheart seriously. The comely soprano plans to take a trip to Afghanistan later this year - on the advice of her predecessor, Dame Vera Lynn.

The two met last year at the British Legion Poppy Appeal and Dame Vera, 93, has taken Hayley under her wing, after asking her to take on the role of vice-president of her charity supporting children with cerebral palsy.

'We have met a few times now,' Hayley tells me at the Classical Brit Awards nominations.

'She invited me round to her house for tea and biscuits and brought out all her old photos. Then she said: "You must go out to Afghanistan to see the boys. They are there by themselves." 

'I'll take my guitarist with me and keep it simple, some classical and contemporary numbers.'

New Zealand-born Hayley, 23, who is starting work on her new album, says this time she has a surprise for the troops.

'When I went to Iraq, I had to be in my trainers and army pants, but this time I'll pack a dress, too.'