A STRING of cabaret hits from Swindon's original blonde bombshell will be released next month.

As well as appearing in dozens of films from the 1950s, Diana Dors had a strong singing voice and a collection of her work will be released on September 24.

Strictly speaking it is a re-release, but collectors and fans of the actress will be sure to snap up the 1960 Pye album Swingin' Dors.

It features 12 tracks that are typical of the popular cabaret and television shows Dors appeared in, and has strong orchestration by producer and arranger Wally Stott.

Dors, whose real name was Diana Fluck, is widely considered to be Britain's first sex symbol.

In the 1950s she was Britain's highest paid film star - our answer to Marilyn Monroe.

She starred in many films but never became the international star that Monroe did, although she did appear on the front cover of the Beatles' 1967 album Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Her own album is being released as a limited edition, individually numbered vinyl LP as well as a CD.

Both formats recreate the sleeve of the original and contain a 12-page booklet laden with memorabilia.

Among the pages are notes by Dors authority Paul Sullivan and rare unpublished photographs.

Many of them document the period when Dors was one of the most famous women in the world.

In spite of her fame the former railwayman's daughter never forgot her Wiltshire roots and often returned to Swindon.

Unfortunately not long after filming the movie Steaming, she was diagnosed with cancer and died on May 4, 1984.

The Advertiser carried tributes from some of the actress' closest friends, including Dr Desmond Morris and Swindon dance stalwart Mollie Tanner.

They spoke of her warmth and how easy she was to get along with.

Mrs Tanner, who knew the actress from when she was a child, said: "She had a warmth about her. She was a lovely girl and lots of fun."

Dors once said: "Life is what you make it. That has certainly been true of mine."

Swingin' Dors is being reissued with the full support of the Dors estate and more information can be found by visiting www.dianadors.co.uk