Permission has been granted for war graves of fallen soldiers in Orpington to be properly maintained.

The 103 Orpington Platoon was given the greenlight by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

The detachment will now clean and maintain 47 graves from The First and Second World Wars in the churchyard of All Saint’s Orpington.

Second Lieutenant David Platt, detachment commander of 103 RRF, said: “This is a significant development since the CWGC are becoming less able to maintain the memorials of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice and we are adamant that they will not be forgotten.

“I hope more cadet detachments will follow our lead.”

The 103 RRF are badged to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and are based at the TA centre, on Anglesea Road on Orpington.

They parade on Wednesday evenings from 7pm until 9.30pm.

The Army Cadet Force has a 159 year history and provides challenging activities for youngsters aged between 12 and 18.