WAR memorials in the Swindon area could benefit from a new scheme to fund urgent repair and conservation work.

Until this year only grade two listed memorials in conservation areas were eligible for grants. But now £60,000 is available under a scheme run by English Heritage and Friends of War Memorials.

The extension has been made possible by a donation from the Wolfson Foundation, which invests money in scientific and medical research as well as the conservation of historic buildings and monuments.

More than £92,800 has been awarded in grants under the previous scheme since 2000. One monument that has already benefited is the lychgate at All Saints Church, Crudwell. It received a £3,226 grant towards re-roofing and repairs to the masonry.

English Heritage chief executive Simon Thurley said: "War memorials are vital to our understanding of the past. Many are now more than 80 years old and have suffered from exposure to the elements and sometimes vandalism. We are delighted that the Wolfson Foundation's generous support will now enable many more to be repaired and preserved for future generations."

Information about the scheme is available from the charity on 0207 259 0403. Closing dates for applications are April 30 and October 31 every year.