Ministers have unveiled a new code of practice in a bid to stop war memorials falling into neglect and decay.

The Home Office announced plans to encourage land owners to identify war memorials and put in place a preservation plan.

Under the plan, statues commemorating those who have died in active service should be registered with the UK National Inventory of War Memorials.

The move comes amid fears many memorials may begin to fall into disrepair as the current generation of veterans from the first and second world wars dies out.

Welcoming the publication of the code of practice, Hilary Benn said: "There are over 50,000 war memorials in the United Kingdom, some of which have been neglected and damaged over the years.

"It is only right that we properly maintain these important monuments that reflect not just the conflicts of years gone by, but also the social context in which events and deaths are remembered."

Sir Donald Thompson, director general of Friends of War Memorials, said: "Friends of War Memorials was pleased to contribute to this important Code of Practice which, we hope, will encourage custodians and others to look afresh at the war memorials in their care, and assist them in their stewardship of this valuable shared heritage."