A 'FORGOTTEN' First World War memorial will be celebrated in a national exhibition later this month to mark the conflict's centenary.

The Delly End Peace Memorial in Hailey, near Witney, was erected nearly 100 years ago to commemorate the end of the war and the safe return of survivors.

Unlike most memorials the structure carries no names, as it was commissioned to give thanks for peace.

The monument will feature in a Historic England exhibition in London from August 30 called 'Immortalised' after it was nominated by Hailey resident Michael Hocken.

As we mark 100 years since the end of the Great War, 'Immortalised' celebrates little-known memorials, statues and shrines across the country, and Mr Hocken is thrilled Delly End will be represented.

He said: "I thought a monument to nobody was unusual so I sent in a picture and was asked by Historic England to provide documentation.

"I think it's great that a forgotten memorial has been mentioned in a national exhibition.

"You want to honour those who gave their lives for their country but it's important to remember those who survived as well."

The peace memorial stands on Delly End green and was built around 1920 by Julia Phipps, who wanted to celebrate her son and nephews surviving the battle.

Residents held a service 'giving thanks for peace' after the monument was completed, which continues biennially on the first Sunday of July.

Mr Hocken lives within sight of the monument and he feels its legacy is as important as ever today.

He said: "If you look at the world around us today, it's important to hang on to peace.

"Without making any political statement we need to preserve the values it shows."

The memorial fitted the aim of 'Immortalised': to bring new meaning to well-known memorials and highlight those who have been left out.

Historic England granted the Delly End monument listed protection last month and the free exhibition at the Workshop in Lambeth, London, will see it gain further recognition.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, paid tribute to individuals like Mr Hocken for fighting the memorial's cause.

He said: "Every one of those that's been nominated has a local champion and someone who cares about it and about the story it tells.

"It's important for us all to know who has been commemorated in our public spaces and what this can tell us about our history."

For more information on 'Immortalised' visit historicengland.org.uk