Communities secretary Eric Pickles has announced the government is contributing £100,000 towards the restoration of war graves.

The money will go towards ongoing work by the Victoria Cross Trust to restore the graves of First World War heroes who were recipients of the Victoria Cross.

Many have fallen into disrepair and require extensive restoration.

Mr Pickles said the money would help to ‘ensure that their final resting places are venerated memorials where communities can pay their respects and learn about their local heroes’.

Last year the communities secretary announced a national campaign of commemorative paving stones to be laid in the place of birth of First World War Victoria Cross recipients across the country.