A war hero’s grave in Ashtead is among the Victoria Cross graves being restored to mark the centenary of the First World War.

The Government has backed a project to restore the UK graves of VC winners including Captain Henry Reynolds, who was buried in St Giles’ churchyard.

Capt Reynolds was born in Northamptonshire and won the VC while serving in the Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment).

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History website, www.britishempire.co.uk, said: "Captain Reynolds performed amazing feats of bravery throughout September 20, 1917.

"His company were suffering heavy casualties from German machinegun fire near Frezenberg. He proceeded alone to rush from one shell-hole to another under fire.

"When he reached the pill-box that housed the machine gunners he threw a grenade but it failed to make any impact.

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"He managed to get a phosphorous grenade which set it on fire, killing three men. The rest surrendered with 2 machine guns.

"Later in the day he was wounded but still managed to capture another enemy post, taking 70 prisoners and two more machine guns."

The website said he died aged 69 on March 26, 1948, in Carshalton.

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Captain Reynolds / www.britishempire.co.uk

In April the Victoria Cross Trust received £100,000 from the Department for Communities and Local Government in support of its work restoring the graves of VC winners.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: "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."