A WAR memorial deemed to be of special architectural and historic interest has been awarded listed status.

The Prescot War Memorial based in St Mary’s Church was installed in 1916 and is one of the first permanent war memorials erected in England a fact which lent it additional historical significance.

It commemorates the fallen of Prescot and is now listed at Grade II having been included on the National Heritage List for England.

Its protected status ensures the war memorial will be kept in good repair.

Located in the heart of the town centre it was designed by Samuel Welsby of Widnes who sculpted a number of memorials and rolls of honour.

It features a soldier from the South Lancashire Regiment which saw many men from Prescot join its ranks.

John Flaherty from Knowsley Council said: “Prescot is steeped in history so the Grade II listed status for the war memorial further adds to Prescot being a town packed with heritage.

“Situated by the Grade I listed St Mary’s Church, the memorial is a valued landmark, highlighting the tragic impacts of world events on this community as well as being one of the earliest memorials in the country.”