MORE than a dozen Hampshire war memorial have now been given protection after being listed by Historic England.

The move comes as part of Historic England's pledge to protect 2,500 war memorial across the country by 2018, marking the centenary of the end of the First World War.

SIX memorials in Winchester have been granted listed status in the last announcement, including The King’s Royal Rifle Corps War Memorial, which was made a Grade II listed site, and The War Cloister at Winchester College, which was listed as Grade I.

Memorial in Lyndhurst and Fordingbridge were also granted listed status.

Lord Ashton of Hyde, the First World War minister, said: "As we enter the final year of our First World War centenary commemorations, we want to ensure the bravery and sacrifice of those who served are never forgotten.

"Local war memorials are a poignant reminder of how the war affected our communities and of those who never came home. I encourage everyone to visit their local memorial and to learn more about their connection to this pivotal point in our history."

Duncan Wilson, CEO of Historic England, added: “Researching, recording and recommending up to 2,500 more war memorials for listing over five years is a major task but one that Historic England is proud to undertake. These memorials will gain a place on the National Heritage List for England to tell the story of this country’s sacrifice and struggle.”

In total 15 memorials in Hampshire have been granted listed status in 2017.

Built by communities in the years following the First World War, these memorials form a physical reminder of the sacrifices and loss the conflict brought about.

Historic England, in partnership with the War Memorials Trust, Civic Voice and the Imperial War Museums, is still appealing help with protecting local war memorials, with up to £2million in grants available to cover repairs. For more information on how to get a memorial listed, or to apply for a grant, visit historicengland.org.uk.