Six Church of England places of worship in West Yorkshire have been given a higher architectural status.

They are among 150 churches and cathedrals which are now regarded as Grade 1 listed buildings.

The West Yorkshire churches include Wakefield Cathedral and the Chantry Chapel of St Mary on Wakefield Bridge.

Two churches in Halifax also get greater status.

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They are the Church of All Souls and the Church of St John the Baptist.

In Huddersfield, the Church of All Hallows in Westgate now has Grade 1 status as does the Parish Church of All Saints in Otley.

Arts minister Tessa Blackstone has accepted advice from English Heritage to regrade the churches to give extra protection from unsuitable development or alteration.

The new status will also make it easier for the churches to apply for grants to help with their upkeep and restoration.

Baroness Blackstone said: "The government is committed to maintaining and protecting our precious historic environment."