Arts minister Estelle Morris has announced that memorabilia from the famous charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaclava has been preserved for public ownership thanks to the acceptance in lieu scheme (AIL).

The items will be going on display at the Regimental Museum of Dragoon Guards.

Among the items saved is the helmet worn by General Sir James York Scarlett, the man who led the British Cavalry into battle at the charge. The helmet still retains the dent it received from a blow during the charge.

Morris said: “It is particularly appropriate that these objects will now be seen at the Regimental Museum of Dragoon Guards, one of the three units that took part in this momentous attack.

“Thanks to the acceptance in lieu scheme they will now be permanently available in one place for the public to enjoy.”

Items offered to the AIL scheme are assessed by the AIL panel who take opinions from independent experts. The panel recommends items for acceptance that have a close association with our national life and history; are of special artistic or art-historical importance; are of special importance for the study of some aspect of art, learning, or history; and have a close association with a particular historic setting.

Items accepted by AIL are then allocated to a public institution such as a museum, archive, or library to ensure that public access is guaranteed to as many people as possible.