Military Grave Restoration Team To Return To Isle Of Wight

A team of military veterans and volunteers will return to the Isle of Wight next month to restore and preserve the graves of former service personnel.

The Victoria Cross Trust will be carrying out work across several Island cemeteries between July 7 and July 9 as part of its ongoing mission to protect military memorials.

Volunteers will be cleaning and repairing headstones at St Paul's Cemetery in Newport, Newport Cemetery on Fairlee Road, Northwood Cemetery, Ryde Cemetery and East Cowes Cemetery.

The team will also undertake restoration work at St Mildred's Church in Whippingham.

Members of the public are welcome to visit and observe the work, with updates being shared throughout the visit on the Trust's Facebook page.

The charity, which relies entirely on donations, travels across the UK restoring military graves and memorials while helping to ensure the stories of those who served are not forgotten.

Keith Lumley, Chair of Trustees at the Victoria Cross Trust, said:

"It is always an honour to return to the Isle of Wight and continue our work caring for the graves of those who served.

"Every headstone we clean helps to ensure that the service and sacrifice of these individuals is remembered for future generations."

The Isle of Wight Council's Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Ian Dore, welcomed the group's return and thanked volunteers for their dedication to preserving the memory of former servicemen and women.

Residents wishing to support the charity can make a donation through the Victoria Cross Trust's fundraising campaign, while further information and updates will be available on the organisation's website and social media channels.