IN the year that marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, it is fitting that the Government should make a commitment to restore the gravestones of heroic soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross - the highest military award for bravery.

Ministers have unveiled a £100,000 fund to help ensure the 209 graves are a "truly fitting tribute" to those who showed such valour and sacrificed so much. In the context of Government finances, it is not a great deal of money but it is a worthy use of public funds.

It is also right to give credit to The Sun for its campaign leading to the Government's pledge which is being matched by supporters of the paper.

The graves which will be restored include several in our region and we pay our own tribute to those local heroes in tomorrow's paper. It would be quite wrong to allow the gravestones of those who did so much for their country to be allowed to crumble and fade.

Meanwhile, at The Northern Echo, we are continuing with our own First World War centenary campaign to raise £100,000 for the Phoenix House rehabilitation centre, supported by the Help For Heroes charity at Catterick Garrison, for injured soldiers returning from war zones.

We believe it is appropriate to mark the centenary by remembering a past generation of heroes in a way which helps modern day soldiers. A number of events in support of the campaign will be announced shortly.

  • To find out more about the appeal, go to northernecho.co.uk/news/campaigns/helpforheroes/