RESIDENTS are celebrating victory in a legal battle to protect a view made world famous on picture postcards.

Members of Knaresborough Action Group, in North Yorkshire, paid £15,000 out of their own pockets to hire a legal team to fight their corner at a public inquiry.

Now, an independent Government inspector has backed their case - saying development beneath the 100ft high Grade II listed railway viaduct over the River Nidd would detract from its setting.

The most famous view of the site, captured on countless calendars and postcards, is enjoyed from high above the riverside in the grounds of Knaresborough Castle.

Inquiry inspector Paul Griffiths walked around Knaresborough to take in views of the Nidd Gorge from ramparts of the castle.

And, following a suggestion at the inquiry, he also took a train ride from Harrogate to Knaresborough so he could take in the scenery.

The inspector ruled that eight properties - two homes and six apartments - on Waterside would compete for attention with the viadict and "erode from its dominance".

Action group chairman David Rance said: "We are delighted with the verdict.

"Right and common sense has prevailed. But we had to foot a big bill for the public inquiry."

Seventy-four members of the action group contributed to the £15,000 legal costs of the three-day public inquiry.