Five Grade I and II Listed buildings, 22 monuments and the War of the Roses battlefield at Towton were identified as being under serious threat of decay or neglect in English Heritage's startling survey.

The group has now launched a Conservation Areas at Risk campaign urging residents and councils to join forces and repair these 'jewel in the crown' landmarks before it's too late.

English Heritage regional director for planning and development Trevor Mitchell said: "These findings are a call for action.

"Some of North Yorkshire's most iconic landscapes and buildings are in conservation areas, and they make a tremendous contribution to our quality of life, economy and sense of identity."

The five buildings 'at risk' in Selby district are:
q Abbot's Staith, Water Lane, Selby;

q Huddleston Hall, Huddleston with Newthorpe;

q Huddleston Hall chapel;

q Huddleston Hall stables; and

q The Gatehouse, Bolton Percy.

Monuments named in the report include St Andrew's College and moat in Acaster Selby and Thorpe Hall, while the historic Towton Battlefield, which staged the 1461 War of the Roses fight, is also deemed under threat.

Mr Mitchell added: "We're not in the naming and shaming game. Residents, businesses and councils all have a role to play.

"This survey is the first step in understanding the threats they face. We now need to find solutions, and we will target our conservation area grants on places identified as being at risk."

English Heritage last year named Richmondshire as the council that has done the most in the region to improve its conservation areas. Nearly 50 buildings have been repaired or restored, including the former railway station.