Jodrell Bank Observatory named a Unesco World Heritage site

A British space observatory has been named a Unesco World Heritage site.

Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire scooped the prestigious accolade in recognition of its decades-long leading role in astronomical research.

The facility, owned by the University of Manchester, is home to the Lovell Telescope, the third largest in the world but the largest when it was built in 1957.

It joins other British landmarks such as Stonehenge, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London on the coveted list.

Heritage minister Rebecca Pow said: "This is a tremendously exciting announcement.

"This is the 32nd Unesco World Heritage site designated in the UK and what that really says to us is the UK is a great destination to go for heritage."

Professor Teresa Anderson, director of the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, said: "This is wonderful news and a great day in the history of Jodrell Bank.

"It honours the pioneering work of Sir Bernard Lovell and the early scientists here, together with the world-leading research that continues to this day."

International sites to feature on the list include Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal.