SCOUTS from across Wiltshire spent St George's Day re-chalking the Cherhill White Horse.

Local volunteers joined the troops from 1st Calne, 1st Cherhill and 1st Derry Hill to restore the majestic chalk animal to its former glory. The figure is also sometimes called the Oldbury White Horse by locals.

It is a popular walking route and believed to have been built after Westbury White Horse, in 1780 by a Dr Christopher Alsop, who was from Calne. It is now part of land run by the National Trust.

It is re-chalked twice a year and in 2002 it was re-cut as part of a £18,000 restoration project involving 160 tonnes of chalk.

After a picnic lunch, the day concluded with a thanksgiving ceremony in the field at the bottom of the hill, led by Reverend Ann Massey.

"We had more than 150 volunteers on the day who said what a really great day it was," said Martine Glover, of Wood Hill Avenue, who is the first Calne Scouts fundraising co-ordinator. "There are so many people to thank, from those working behind the scenes providing back-up to all who worked so hard bagging the chalk up.

"A fantastic day was had by all. This is the first time we've helped out with the re-chalking and we will definitely do it again."

To find out more or register your child for scouts, email the group leader Toni Gregory at gsl@calnescouts.co.uk.