A THREE-year campaign to highlight a little-known piece of Colburn's history has been realised.

A standing stone has been laid by the Coast to Coast route bearing a poem published in January 1857 in the Ripon and Richmond Chronicle.

The poem, Colburn Races, relates to a horse race that took place in the village on November 25, 1856.

And 165-years to the day later, a ceremony was held to lay a tall stone in Colburn Village which has the poem mounted to it.

The stone has been three years in the pipeline, with money raised through raffles at the Colburn Reunion and Gathering, an annual social event held in the village.

Richmondshire MP Rishi Sunak supported the project, saying: “I congratulate everyone involved in creating this memorial to a little known event in Colburn’s history which certainly deserves to be celebrated – and recognised by both the local community and the increasing number of walkers who pass through on the Coast to Coast Walk.”

Mark Abbott of the Wainwright Society added "The Coast to Coast Walk is one of many undervalued walks in England.

"It is pleasing to see this wonderful focal point for walkers to admire as they pass through the village."

Janet Milne, of The Richmondshire Ramblers, added: "Following a pretty rough time for people of late, walking has proved a great escape for many that previously never had such an interest and is a big support for both physical and mental health.

"Richmondshire has many great walks on our doorstep."