ONE of the New Forest's top public figures has thanked his supporters following the Government's announcement it wanted him replaced.
Official Verderer Oliver Crosthwaite Eyre was told by Whitehall he was to be replaced at the end of his third three-year term in April.
Ministers have since done a U-turn and said he is welcome to apply to be Official Verderer again, following a raft of support from the Verderers, the New Forest Commoners and New Forest MPs Julian Lewis and Desmond Swayne.
Mr Crosthwaite Eyre told the Court of Verderers in Lyndhurst: "I would like to say how grateful I am for all the very kind messages I have received and the words of support over the last few weeks.
"They are much appreciated, particularly the ones from my fellow verderers."
The Verderers safeguard the interests of the New Forest Commoners - villagers who have the right to let their ponies and cattle roam the area.
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