A campaign to build a memorial to the women of the Second World War has been applauded by one of Britain's most high-profile female figures.

Baroness Betty Boothroyd has sent a personal message of thanks to the Evening Press for its unrivalled "campaigning zeal" throughout the seven-year battle for a monument dedicated to the wartime contribution of British women.

In a letter to editor Kevin Booth, the former speaker of the House of Commons, who is patron of The Women Of World War II Memorial Fund charity, also saluted other Yorkshire supporters for their help.

"Triumphantly and at long last, the Memorial to the Women of World War II now stands in Whitehall, thus fulfilling our pledge to remember the seven million women who served our country in that global conflict.

"At this time of defiant celebration amid renewed danger, we pay tribute to the Yorkshire veterans who inspired our charity which allowed us to raise the enormous funds we needed and win national support."

In the letter, which also came from the charity's chairman, retired Major David Robertson, Baroness Boothroyd also praised the newspaper's efforts.

"The Evening Press played an invaluable role in our seven-year struggle. It supported us from the start and stayed the course until the end.

"On this historic occasion we salute it and thank all our Yorkshire supporters for their donations and goodwill. The Queen unveiled a wonderful monument on Saturday on behalf of the nation. But it will always have a special link with Yorkshire of which we should always be proud."

The campaign was launched in 1998 by former army gunner Mildred Veal, of Clifton, York, and ATS servicewoman Edna Storr, of Cedar Close, Selby.

Mrs Storr, 81, presented a bouquet to the Queen at the unveiling ceremony on Saturday on behalf of the women war veterans.

She said the event was "absolutely brilliant" - one highlight was being told by the sculptor John Mills that her wartime nickname 'Smudge' was on the monument.

Updated: 09:49 Wednesday, July 13, 2005