SOLDIERS took to the chalk downs to spruce up a tired-looking landmark.

The Bulford Kiwi, a massive chalk landmark carved into Wiltshire's Beacon Hill by the New Zealand Army in the First World War, underwent its annual clean-up to mark Anzac Day, the day commemorating the landings by the Australians and New Zealanders at Gallipoli in 1915, .

Defence Estates is responsible for the upkeep of the kiwi and co-ordinated the clean-up operation with help from 3 (UK) Division Signals Regiment, Bulford Conservation Group, Salisbury Plain Environmental Works Committee, the Bulford Kiwi Scouts Group, English Heritage, Natural England and DE contractors Landmarc.

The kiwi was designed by Sgt Major Percy Blenkarne, of the Education Staff at the end of the First World War. It is 420ft high, has a 150ft-long beak and is one Salisbury Plain's most striking sights.

The kiwi has also gained world-wide recognition and is now being featured on postage stamps in New Zealand. It signifies the pride the soldiers had in being New Zealanders.

DE's Richard Osgood, said: "The clean-up was a great success and we managed to refresh the hill figure in record time thanks, in part, to having an excellent team this year. The work of last year has also ensured that only a small number of weeds had taken hold on the monument.