A SCULPTURE made to commemorate the millions of horses that fought and died during the First World War has been unveiled in Belsay.

The life-sized piece, The Spirit of Freedom, will be exhibited for the first time at this year’s Belsay Horse Trials on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3.

The sculpture was created by amateur artist James Kemish, using horse shoes and one hundred poppies to symbolise the centenary of the War. James said: “I wanted to make something to remember and honour these beautiful creatures and the extraordinary sacrifice they made during the Great War. “We wouldn’t be here today enjoying our own freedom if it wasn’t for horses. I only hope I’ve done their memory justice.”

James, who lives in Pelton, County Durham and works for Nissan in Sunderland contacted the organiser of Belsay Horse Trials Laura De Wesselow in the hope she would exhibit his work.