Chesham's war memorial has been given Listed status.

It has been chosen to go on to a new list of buildings "of special architectural or historic interest" by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The news came as something of a surprise to Chesham Town Council, who had no idea the memorial was being considered for Listed status until they received confirmation the application had been approved.

Town clerk Bill Richards told the Bucks Free Press: "It's a good thing for the town as it protects it for future generations.

"It was a surprise to us, but a pleasant one. It was commissioned by the DCMS, to go and review all war memorials.

"We weren't aware they were doing it - the first we heard about it was when the result came through. As far as seeking status in concerned, it wasn't led by ourselves or the Legion."

Listed status also applies to the stone kerb and outer fence surrounding the memorial itself.

A list of monuments for consideration for Listed status was compiled by the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England and approved by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Sajid Javid.