IN elegant swirly dresses with her hair pinned up, a gifted young singer is evoking memories of Doris Day, Vera Lynn and Connie Francis.

Heather Marie McHale, 28, has won rapturous applause for her nostalgic wartime tribute act.

She turned professional only two years ago, and is already booked up every weekend until Christmas 2012.

Heather, from Blackbrook, said: “I absolutely love it. I enjoy dressing up.

“I grew up listening to 1940s and 50s music my mum and dad played. They’re classic, timeless tunes.”

Heather works full-time in the marketing team at The Vegetarian Society in Altrincham and teaches singing at LIPA in Knutsford.

She was on stage in all her school productions and did theatre studies at GCSE and A level.

Heather, a former pupil at Cowley High School, said: “When I decided to go professional, I wanted to do something a little bit different.

“I love swing, big bands and rock and roll.

“I often think I was born 50 years too late. I wished I lived in all the glamour.”

Heather stages a nostalgic show at St Helens Town Hall on Sunday.

She said: “It’s really special for me to bring back memories, both sad and happy for veterans.

“I enjoy singing The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and end all my shows with We’ll Meet Again.”

A dream came true when she recently performed with the album chart-topping RAF Squadronaires in aid of Help for Heroes.

Heather, a member of Equity, said: “I really enjoy what I’m doing and I’ve had some lovely reviews.

“I’d never go on a talent show. I prefer to make a name for myself in my own right, the traditional way.”

She said her mum and dad, Michael, aged 66, and Gloria, aged 62, travel to all her local gigs to support her.

Her two brothers, Roy, aged 40, and Stuart, aged 35, are really proud of her achievement.

“I’m so grateful that people love listening to me,” said Heather, who is engaged.

“I feel really privileged. I’ve got lots of things in the pipeline coming up.

“I’d love to perform with a big band, and I’m excited about what I’m doing.”