The Cenotaph in London is due to undergo restoration prior to the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

The monument is one of hundreds being cleaned and repaired in readiness for the anniversary next year.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the £60,000 work on the Cenotaph, which started last week, is being paid for by English Heritage, which is funding work on numerous other memorials.

Councils have pledged to clean up their memorials, while the War Memorials Trust has seen a 40 per cent increase in inquiries about grants.

Simon Thurley, the chief executive of English Heritage, told the newspaper: ‘The Cenotaph’s austere beauty reminds us of the millions who died in the terrible events that happened all over the world between 1914 and 1918. English Heritage is honoured to have responsibility for making sure the Cenotaph is in good condition for the commemorations.

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