SOME walls really do have ears.

Take for instance a venerable structure in the middle of an east Cleveland town's newest housing development.

The 4.5 metre-high concrete building in Holyhead Drive, Redcar, was a crude forerunner of Fylingdales Early Warning System on the North York Moors - a First World War listening post.

The grade II* listed building used to stand on rolling farmland with a clear view out to sea, and would pick up sound waves from the low rumble of incoming Zeppelins.

Redcar and Cleveland Mayor Vilma Collins unveiled an information plaque on the site, paid for by developer Persimmon Homes.

Vera Robinson, of the Cleveland Buildings Preservation Trust, said: "This is an important feature of the town's history and should be preserved and protected for all time.''