CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after hearing that one of Bolton's best-loved war memorials has been protected from developers.

Dunscar War Memorial has been granted Grade II listed status after a personal plea from Bolton North-east MP David Crausby to Culture secretary Tessa Jowell.

He collected dozens of letters, photographs and recorded memories of the Blackburn Road structure from nearby residents to bolster the bid.

Mr Crausby was informed of the decision by Ms Jowell on Thursday.

The move, which prevents the monument being altered or moved from its home of 80 years without approval from English Heritage, follows an attempt by a Dunscar developer to move it 50 yards to the south to make way for housing.

Mr Crausby said: "This is a real victory for the people of Dunscar who fought so hard to keep their war memorial.

"People responded fantastically and I believe this was the key factor in achieving this decision."

English Heritage found the site has a "massive significance for the local population and is in an historic location with significance both as a place of worship and a commemorative site".

D-Day veteran Cecil Rogers, aged 85, of Windsor Road, Bromley Cross, said: "So many people will be relieved to hear this. It just goes to show how important this statue, and this spot, is to people in the area."

It is thought the site was a meeting spot and was used for religious gatherings before the monument was put up in 1921.

Buildings and monuments can be listed because of their age, rarity, architectural merit or method of construction.

The Bolton Evening backed the stance of veterans, residents and politicians against developer Stephen Fitton's plans to move the structure to build 11 luxury homes nearby.

Bolton Council leader Cllr Barbara Ronson said: "I am absolutely thrilled. This is a victory for people power."