CHESHIRE East Council is to provide £100,000 to fund repairs and refurbishment of First World War memorials across the Borough.

Next year sees the hundredth anniversary of the start of the Great War, which cost the lives of millions between 1914-1918.

Parishes and the Royal British Legion will be able to apply directly to the Council for funding for the repair works.

Council leader MIchael Jones, said: “I have immense respect for those who gave their lives for their country in the Great War, as I have for those who erected and maintain memorials to their sacrifice.

“I am delighted that this Council is able to put forward £100,000 to fund repairs and refurbishment of these important local community monuments.

“We must never forget the depth of loss sustained across our Borough and our debt to previous generation’s self sacrifice in the name of liberty and duty.”

The First World War saw the deaths of an estimated 17 million combatants and civilians with around a further 20 million wounded.

For more information about applying for the funding for war memorial repairs, contact the Council’s partnership support manager, Tina Jones, on 01270 685811.