The graves of two Victoria Cross recipients from Mitcham and Tooting are set to be restored thanks to a Government grant.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has announced a £100,000 funding boost for the Victoria Cross Trust, which maintains the graves of VC recipients.

The money will be used to clean and repair the final resting places of the men awarded the country's highest military honour for valour.

That will include the graves of 2nd Lt William White, from Mitcham, and Corporal Edward Foster, of Tooting.

Corporal Foster, of the East Surrey Regiment, was awarded the VC on April 24, 1917 and is buried in Streatham Cemetery.

Lt White, of Machine Gun Corps, is buried in Kent.

The project will see headstones cleaned, repaired or replaced where necessary, as part of the Government's work to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Mr Pickles said in a statement: “As these men were honoured then for their extreme bravery on the battlefields, they should be honoured still.

"That is why I am privileged to offer more than £100,000 towards this project to ensure that their final resting places are venerated memorials where communities can pay their respects and learn about their local heroes.

“This will make sure the graves of our Victoria Cross heroes become places to reflect on their selfless service to the nation. Alongside the creation of commemorative paving stones we will create a fitting tribute to honour these heroes.”