The grave of a soldier awarded the Victoria Cross has been refurbished after falling into disrepair and becoming unreadable.

The headstone marks the spot in Watling Street Cemetery in Dartford where James Smith was buried in 1946, aged 74.

The Dartford-born soldier was awarded the medal in India in 1897.

Dartford’s deputy Mayor Cllr Peter Whapshott, who is also the council’s lead member for veterans, led the efforts and said it was an important thing to do.

He said: “It’s a civil grave so it is not maintained by the War Commission. It was crumbling on one side so we got someone to square it and make it safe.

“It was polished and a new plaque was added.

“The soldier was one of only 1,360 to have received the Victoria Cross. He was very special and he should always be remembered alongside other soldiers.”