THIS special edition of Rewind is devoted to Diana Dors, who died on May 4, 1984.

On Monday, April 30, the Adver had run a five-paragraph story at the bottom of page one.

Headed “Diana in New Scare”, it began: “Swindon-born actress Diana Dors will learn later today whether she faces a third battle against cancer.

“The 52-year-old was taken ill at her home in Sunning-dale, Berks, on Saturday night suffering severe stomach pains.

“She was rushed to hospital in Windsor, where doctors have been running tests over the weekend.”

It was a low-key report because the star had always seemed somehow indestructible, but it turned out to be our last piece about her during her lifetime.

A few days later, 30 years ago today, the most famous person this town has ever produced had almost the whole of our broadsheet front page to herself.

Our main photo had been taken on her birthday the previous October, when she looked as vivacious and happy as ever.

We wrote: “Tributes poured in today for Swindon’s own golden girl, Diana Dors.

“The blonde sex symbol of the fifties, born in Marlborough Road, Swindon, lost her third brave battle against cancer last night.

“Today came the poignant memories of the railwayman’s daughter who fought her tempestuous way to the top.

“The career which began with a seaside beauty contest when she was just 15 took Diana to riches and fame.”

Some of the most poignant memories of all were shared by Desmond Morris, the Purton-born zoologist, television presenter, author and painter who was himself a major celebrity in the fifties, sixties and seventies.

“I’ve probably known her longer than most people,” he said. “I knew her when she was 13, I was then about 16. I met her at a party in Swindon.

“I sent her a Valentine card. In those days the envelopes had to be re-used because of the war, and she very cleverly steamed off the label, found my address at Dauntsey School underneath and wrote back to me.

“We used to go to the little island now in Queen’s Park, which my family then owned, and it was there on that island that she taught me to jitterbug.

“The thing that struck me most about her was her energy. She was a brilliant actress, but she was always given those rather dumb blonde parts, which was a pity.

“She ate life up so greedily she was able to live more fully in half a century than most people could do in 500 years.”

Dr Morris said he was distressed but not really surprised by the sad news, and added: “It was typical of her that she just went on battling away and would not give in to it until it finally finished her off.”

Prominent Swindon dance teacher Mollie ‘Miss Mollie’ Tanner, who had once worked for Diana’s father, Bert Fluck, recalled meeting Diana when the star-to-be was 15: “I’d heard and read so much about her but when we met, she was like a breath of fresh air.”

Thamesdown mayor Jim Masters, who would attend Diana’s funeral a week later in his official capacity, said: “She has always been a great ambassador for the town.”