THE War Memorial in Blackrod Cemetery is now a Grade II listed building thanks to a successful bid by the town council.

Historic England approved the decision ahead of the centenary of the first world war.

The decision, which was confirmed on September 18, was announced at a Blackrod Town Council meeting on Monday.

Cllr Graham Farrington said: “Everything that is connected to the first and second world war is important. It’s up to us to maintain it. Quite a number of local men lost their lives in the war and it’s important to the relatives.”

The memorial in Manchester Road was originally unveiled and dedicated on March 29, 1925, with Reverend R W Gordon MA of St Katharine’s Parish Church officiating.

It was unveiled by Mary Ann Wilkinson, the oldest mother to have lost a son, Ralph Wilkinson, and an address was given by Adam Brindle JP, chairman of the council.

According to newspaper reports from the day, some 2,000 people watched a procession headed by Blackrod Public Prize Band.

A guard of honour of 150 ex-service men, relatives of the fallen, choirs from the parish church of St Katharine and the Wesleyan Chapel, the clergy and the War Memorial Committee were part of the procession.

At the dedication, the Last Post was sounded by four trumpeters from the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and one minutes’ silence was observed.

Earlier this year, red, white and blue flowers were planted around Blackrod to mark 100 years since the end of the first world war.

Cllr Farrington said that the flowers, which were planted in May, made a “lovely display”.

The flowers were planted at Blackrod Town Council and Public Library, outside Blackrod Primary School in Manchester Road and on railings along Scot Lane.

Four years ago, the centenary of the start of the war was commemorated with the production of Forget Me Not, a booklet by Blackrod Community Group.

The booklet outlines the history of individual Blackrod men who lost their lives in the war and serves as a tribute to them.

As part of this project a further 22 lost soldiers were identified and their names were added to the War Memorial two years ago.

Children from two Blackrod schools collaborated in producing a poppy sculpture which is also located in the cemetery gardens.