Three further British sites have been accredited with World Heritage status by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.

The Derwent Valley Mills in Derbyshire, Saltaire in West Yorkshire and New Lanark in South Lanarkshire have joined the Devon and East Dorset coast in being considered worthy of the new status, bringing the total of the UK's recognised World Heritage sites to 24.

The three cultural sites are outstanding examples of our industrial heritage, illustrating the tremendous contribution Britain made to the industrialisation of the world during the 18th and 19th centuries, commented Arts Minister Baroness Blackstone.

For the Derwent Valley Mills, it is not their first time in the international spotlight. They were recognised during the Industrial Revolution as defining the model English Mill system which was copied not only throughout the country but around the world.

The UK's four sites were among 49 proposed by 32 countries for consideration.