Plans to build a 164ft white horse in north Kent have been approved.

Members of Gravesham council's planning board last night gave the thumbs up to the plans for the Ebbsfleet Landmark, dubbed the Angel of the South.

The Messenger has been inundated with opposition letters, phone calls and emails about the horse ever since the final design was selected by judges.

But according to agenda papers relating to last night's meeting, only 19 formal objections were submitted to the council.

Those behind the project, developer Land Securities, Eurostar, London and Continental Railways, hope the horse will put the area on the international map.

Developers have already stumped up half the predicted £2 million cost, but it is likely to escalate beyond that, although taxpayers' pockets won't be hit.

Dartford council, which was also consulted on the plans, raised no objections to the horse.