AN ICE Age boulder which has graced the village green at Thornton le Beans for thousands of years has been moved - this time by mechanical means rather than the forces of nature.

The boulder, one of two in the village, rested on the green near the noticeboard, but close to the kerb and highway.

Following an incident in which a car skidded into the boulder, North Yorkshire County Council advised the parish council to move it as it was deemed to be a highway hazard.

Parish council chairman, Edward Dennison, took his tractor to remove and make secure the ancient stone at his home, Crowtree Farm.

He is now waiting to hear what the parish would like to do with it.

"I am storing it until it is decided what should be done," said Coun Dennison.

Another similar boulder, also from the Ice Age, is set on a plinth near the village pub. An inscription informs the reader that this boulder, known as the Glacier Stone, came to rest in what is now the main street of the village. It was deposited during the Third Ice Age 13,000 years ago from Shap Fell.

It was mounted on the plinth to mark the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.

"The boulder I have in my keeping is of a different texture and colour. It has rested near the village noticeboard for many years," said Coun. Dennison.