THE upkeep of the famous White Horse of Kilburn has passed to the Forestry Commission from the voluntary group which has looked after it for 161 years.

The horse, which lies on land at Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, owned by the commission will now be maintained by them instead of the Kilburn White Horse Association.

A commission spokesman said the transfer was agreed following meetings last year, owing to the health and safety laws around working on the steep slopes, and national volunteering guidelines.

The spokesman said the commission recognised the work that has been historically carried out to maintain the horse, and acknowledged it had ensured the survival of the horse over many years.

White Horse Association, secretary John Roberts said they had, "groomed" the figure annually, and every four or five years, given it a new coat of paint.

He said: “The new regime will be good for the horse in many ways but very sad for the members of the association who have dedicated many years to maintaining the well-loved figure.”