A wartime star from Sutton is planning to release her long lifetime of memories in a "fascinating" book after she turns 100.

Helen Riddle, 99, of Cranley Gardens, will discuss her extraordinary musical career and her plans to release an autobiography in 2017 when she is interviewed on The One Show tonight.

Mrs Riddle, whose stage name is Helen Clare, performed for the BBC from the 1930s to the 1950s.

Her autobiographical working title is A Century in Song as she discovered her love for singing at just five years old, and she celebrates her 100th birthday in November.

Mrs Riddle’s agent Simon Robinson said: “We’ve both been working long hours on her autobiography. Her recall is amazing. She is too fascinating not to produce a book about.

“I am glad she is being given the recognition she deserves, especially given the amount of boost she gave to workers and soldiers during the war.”

Mrs Riddle toured Australia as a child and performed opera arias.

She was publicly praised by Galli-Curci and Dame Nellie Melba who said her “voice must be preserved and not be used for years to come”.

Liz Hopkins, Helen’s daughter, said: “Considering she had a stroke earlier this well she’s doing extremely well. She’s in complete possession of herself and she’s still so professional.”

Mrs Riddle will attend a party at Alexandra Palace alongside other prominent BBC personalities to celebrate 80 years of broadcast television on November 2.