STUDENTS from the Thomas Hardye Sch-ool put in some hard graft to help clear up an iconic Dorset landmark ahead of the summer holidays.

Year 12 International Baccalaureate pupils from the Dorchester school took part in the Osmington White Horse Restoration project for the community element of their course.

Working with Dorset Countryside Ranger John Hayes, the youngsters helped cut out the new line of King George III’s profile to ensure he is looking his best as the tourists head into Weymouth for the summer.

The profile of the king on his steed – originally cut into the hillside by John Ranier, James Hamilton and John Wood – has deteriorated over the years but English Heritage is currently working on a project to restore it to its former glory.

The Thomas Hardye pupils threw themselves into the hard labour, getting to grips with mattocks and spades to dig into the turf. After a tough day on the hillside the group managed to complete their task.

The CAS (Creative, Action and Service) element of the International Baccalaureate course aims to develop pupils value systems to en-hance personal growth and community development.

The majority of the students will count the White Horse effort as an ‘action’ task but some of the technique of use of the mattocks means it could be construed as ‘creative’.

Alex Duncan, Humanities teacher and CAS Co-ordinator at Thomas Hardye said: “Hopefully, it has provided them with new skills and perhaps the inclination to be involved in other similar conservation projects in the future.

“It was a very rewarding day and our thanks go to John Hayes and his team for organising it for us.”

For more information about the White Horse restoration project visit www.osmingtonwhitehorse.info