Andrews Sisters: Forces Sweetheart Patty Dies

Patty Andrews - the last surviving member of the hugely successful Andrews Sisters singing trio - has died at the age of 94.

Her spokesman confirmed that she died of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles, California.

Patty Andrews was the youngest of the threesome whose tight harmonies with Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree were hits.

The Andrews Sisters sold more than 75 million records and became household names in the 1940s when they entertained World War Two troops in Africa, the United States and Europe.

The sisters specialised in swing and played with some of the best-known big bands of the era, including those led by Glen Miller, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey.

They also appeared in 16 films, including roles alongside Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in Buck Privates and Hold That Ghost, and with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby in Road To Rio.

Born in Minnesota, the sisters started their careers by performing in local talent shows and moved to California after finding fame.

LaVerne Andrews died of cancer in 1967, and Maxene Andrews died in 1995 of a heart attack.