Two petrol station canopies built in the 1960s have been given Grade II listed status by Heritage Minister John Penrose on the recommendation of English Heritage. The dramatic overlapping parasol design of the Mobil canopies on the A6 at Red Hill, Leicestershire, and the concrete canopy structure on the A1 at Markham Moor, West Drayton, Nottinghamshire, are the first 1960s’ motoring-related structures to be listed and join the likes of the Grade II Chinese Garage in Beckenham, built in 1929.

Penrose said: "These petrol station canopies are splendid reminders of an era, not so long ago, when motoring was first becoming available to all, and a family car journey was very often an adventure in itself. These designs were futuristic at the time and they continue to delight they have clearly stood the test of time."

Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said the buildings would strike a chord with many people and "symbolise some of the flair and exuberance associated with driving in the 1960s".