A ONCE legendary wartime entertainer known for her work to charities supporting the Armed Forces has died aged 100.

Betty Hockey passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 31 at her home in Southbourne.

Born in Bournemouth in 1916, Mrs Hockey - a renowned Can-Can dancer - performed for the troops at military camps, airfields and on ships during the Second World War.

Mrs Hockey was a young mother whose husband Cyril had just been despatched to the Far East with the RAF when the war broke out. But she was unable to sit back and do nothing and was determined to do her part for the war effort.

She was once given a special military uniform allowing her to pass into camps as security was increased in the lead up to D-Day, such was her popularity. She became known for her raunchy routines as part of dance group The Non Stops, who lived up to their name by not allowing the soldiers, sailors and airmen they were entertaining an interval during shows.

The group clocked up more than 1,000 shows before D-Day in June 1944.

During her life she worked tirelessly for armed forces' charities which she continued up until a few months ago when she became too frail.

In 2007 Mrs Hockey was caught speeding her Suzuki wagon at 39mph in a 30mph area on the outskirts of West Parley.

Making her centenary last year a special party was organised by the Red Arrows Association at the Osborne Centre in West Parley. She spent the afternoon surrounded by her many friends and family members.

As well as Gloria, Mrs Hockey leaves behind her son-in-law Reginald, three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Her funeral takes place on Wednesday, February 15, at 1pm, at Bournemouth Crematorium.