A village war memorial has been granted Grade II listed status, offering it permanent protection against removal or development.

The granite cross in Stocks Green, Swaffham Bulbeck, has officially been granted Grade II status by English Heritage, one of seven that have been granted the status across the county.

According to English Heritage, the war memorial was constructed by Messrs Goddard, of Bury St Edmunds, and H and F Stevens, of Swaffham Bulbeck.

It was unveiled on January 16, 1921, and dedicated by the Bishop of Ely.

Following a War Memorials Trust grant, it was cleaned and repaired in 2010.

Roger Bowdler, of English Heritage, said: “These memorials will gain a place on the National Heritage list for England to tell the story of this country’s sacrifice and struggle.”

Parishioners who fought and died in the First World Great are commemorated on the memorial and include:

G. N. Day, E. Peters, A. G. Brown, B. Fordham, O. J. Butler, A. E. Pearman, A. E. Cornwell, A. Shipp, E. Rolph, E. T. Scott, H. G. Butler, J. Lawrence, A. J. Johnson, A. J. Wisbeach, M. A. Bareford.

Three men are also commemorated for their service in the Second World War, they are James W. Marsh, Terence G. Miller and John S. Waters.