WAR memorials in Winkleigh and Spreyton are among 26 war memorials in Devon which have been given Grade II listed status in time for Remembrance Sunday.

Built in the aftermath of the First World War (1914-18), the newly-listed memorials in Devon were among tens of thousands that were erected across England in memory of the many people who lost their lives in the conflict, never to return home. In West Devon, war memorials have also been listed in Whitchurch on the outskirts of Tavistock, Princetown, Sheepstor and Walkhampton.

Grade II listing is a protection granted by government heritage organisation Historic England which requires anyone wanting to make any alteration to a monument to apply for listed building consent from the local council. It effectively protects them from demolition.

Heritage minister Helen Whately said: ‘War memorials have a special place in communities and remind us of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is right that these monuments to the brave people who sadly never returned from the First World War will now be preserved and protected.’

Heritage England is also calling on the public to add what they know of the people listed on the war memorials as part of the Enrich the List project at historicengland.org.uk