Memorials to Victoria Cross heroes to be set in stone

Commemorative paving stones will be laid in the home towns of six First World War soldiers across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to honour their award of the Victoria Cross.

All 365 soldiers from across the country who displayed 'valour in the face of the enemy' will have a stone laid in their town of birth in the build up to the First World War centenary programme next year.

Four stones will be laid in Berkshire - for Harry Greenwood in Windsor, Frederick Potts in Reading, Alexander Turner in Thatcham and Edward Mott in Drayton.

Two will also be laid in Buckinghamshire for Frederick Youens in High Wycombe and Edward Brooks in Oakley.

The stones will provide an enduring legacy for local heroes in their home town and the Government will also provide help up and down the country to restore war memorials.

Communities secretary Eric Pickles said: "This will connect communities to their shared history, help residents understand how their area played its part in the Great War, and ensure memories of that sacrifice for British freedom and liberty are kept alive for generations to come."