JODRELL Bank is among a shortlist of 11 sites in the UK that will be nominated for World Heritage status.

The Government selected the observatory, home to the world famous Lovell Telescope, due to its scientific and historic significance.

This means Jodrell Bank could soon be held in the esteem as the Pyramids and Stonehenge.

It played a major role in the Space Race in the 1950s and 60s and as an early warning system during the Cuba Missile Crisis.

The Lovell Telescope remains at the forefront of astrophysics leading research of quasars, pulsars, gravitational lensing and in the development of interferometry.

Dr Teresa Anderson, director of the new Discovery Centre, said: “Jodrell Bank has earned its place on the list by being a place where live science has completely reframed the way in which humanity sees its place in the universe.

“The priority for Jodrell Bank is research. This is its guiding principle, which means that research always takes precedence over conservation of its telescopes just as monuments to past achievements.

“This news is testament to the devotion and dedication of Sir Bernard and of all the staff who have worked at Jodrell Bank over the years.”

Sir Bernard Lovell, now aged 97, set up the Goostrey facility at the end of the Second World War to study meteor showers.

It has continued to evolve over the decades and a new £3m discovery centre is set to open in the coming weeks.

Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose added: “Few places in the world can match the wealth of wonderful heritage we have available in the UK.

“The 11 places that make up the new UK Tentative List are fantastic examples of both our cultural and natural heritage.

“I believe they have every chance of joining famous names like the Sydney Opera House and the Canadian Rockies to become World Heritage Sites.