A white horse will be carved into the chalk hillside above a seaside town thanks to pressure from a weekly newspaper – and one of its senior reporters.

The Folkestone edition of the Kentish Express chalked up the victory after reporter Jane Barlow (left) gave evidence at a planning inquiry on behalf of the newspaper to express the local strength of feeling.

They believe a chalk horse would put Folkestone on the map and boost tourism.Jane teamed up with artist Charles Newington (pictured below), Shepway District Council and celebrities like Joanna Lumley and Spike Milligan to fight for the new landmark.

The newspaper, part of the Kent Messenger Group, ran a tireless 18-month campaign which included a telephone poll and petition which hundreds of readers signed.

They hoped the horse would raise the area’s profile and have the same effect as the Angel of the North had on Tyneside.

The horse, to be carved into a hill close to the entrance of the Channel Tunnel, was given the green light by planning minister Lord Falcolner despite objections by conservationists English Nature.

Jane said this week: “This is fantastic news. The horse will put Folkestone on the map. It’s a wonderful symbol to have on postcards and a memorable image for visitors to remember the town by.

“The white horse will be the first sight people see as they arrive in England through the Channel Tunnel and one of the last things they see as they leave the country.”

A jubilant Charles Newington said: “Congratulations to the Kentish Express – this is as much a victory for the newspaper as it is for us.

“The paper has supported us every step of the way and without this help we might have failed.”

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]