HUNDREDS of people gathered in Wormelow to remember the life of one of the county's most decorated Second World War heroines.

The life of Violette Szabo, a 23-year-old spy executed at Ravensbruck in 1945, was recalled at a 14th memorial celebration at Cartref.

The house, which Violette spent many holidays during her short life, is now owned by Rosemary Rigby.

Rosemary also owns and founded the Violette Szabo Museum there.

Mrs Szabo's life was made into the 1958 film Carve Her Name With Pride, which starred Virginia McKenna as the war heroine.

Virginia was at the memorial, while the film was played at Much Birch Village Hall.

"We had between 500 and 600 people there – the garden was packed," said Rosemary.

"Virginia also presented a black and white photograph of herself from the film, which was sold for £420."