A Wiltshire historian has given his verdict on the restoration of one of the county's most recognisable landmarks.

The White Horse of Westbury, carved into the hills, has been an iconic sight for centuries with local records suggesting that it was originally cut in the late 1600s.

Now in 2023, the landscape has become overgrown with weeds and in need of repairs which are being enacted by English Heritage.

James Archard of Dilton Marsh was walking past the area when he noticed the horse being pressure washed.

“I walk about 40 miles a weekend so I thought I would walk to The White Horse as it is around six miles away from me,” he said.

“There are various stages of cleaning with the first to pressure wash it and remove the heavy debris with weeding too.

“It is then going to be filled with specialist sealant and will be repainted.”

The 64-year-old followed his passion for local history after his retirement in 2020 and has always been a fan of the iconic spot.

“It is something that I have always grown up with and it is a part of the area's history so it is great to see it being cleared up,” he said.

“I have fond memories myself of the hills from messing about as kids up there on our bikes.”