An iconic church clock tower in the centre of Teignmouth is to gain an illuminated cross, if planning is approved.

Leaders of St James the Less Church in Teignmouth hope the addition of a cross to the tower, which dates back to the mid 13th Century, will help people identify the building as a Christian church.

‘Many, or even most, established Teignmothians are well aware that St James' with its unusual (and possibly unique) octagonal nave is one of the two Parish Churches that serve the community of Teignmouth,’ a St James’ spokesperson said. ‘However, for many others it is just a large grey building with an ancient-looking redstone tower,’ the spokesperson added. Some people have even mistaken the tower for a castle.

The stainless steel and green glass cross will be mounted underneath the existing clock on the tower. It will be backlit to provide soft illumination so it can be seen in the dark.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) hopes the cross will clearly identify the building as a church and will ‘serve as a beacon of hope’. ‘The proposed cross carries the Christian message and promotes the use of the building with its continued use as a place of worship for the town,’ the PCC said. ‘This, in itself, is consistent with the building’s conservation as it will help secure the long-term future of the church with its existing use as a place of worship for Teignbridge,’ it added.