OVER half a century after his death three new works by soldier, poet and solicitor F. W. Harvey have been discovered by a Forest of Dean publican.

The little collection has excited the growing army of Harvey enthusiasts.

Roger Deeks, of Oldcroft, chairman of the F W Harvey Society, described the find as "significant" and said he hoped local people would unearth more work by Harvey.

"I'm sure there are items out there. F W Harvey produced many poems which are not included in his published works. He marked local occasions, such as the return to Gloucestershire of Lord Bledisloe after his stint as governor-general of New Zealand, with poetry. Yes, I'm positive more work will be discovered, " he said.

The three poems were found by Harvey fan David Price, owner of Newnham's Railway Inn.

An avid collector of local books and particularly work by Harvey and Cinderford-born poet and writer Leonard Clark, Mr Price was searching the internet where he found a copy of Harvey's verses 'Gloucestershire Friends' offered for sale.

"I've already got half a dozen copies of the same book but this one intrigued me as the seller said it had a bookplate signed by Leonard Clark and included items of ephemera. I gave way to temptation and bought it," he said.

And he was delighted he did.

"Sure enough it was Leonard Clark's personal copy. He had been hugely influenced by Harvey and they were great friends. The wonderful thing was that there were three poems on typed paper folded into the book.

"I recognised immediately that the work was Harvey's and had been produced on his distinctive typewriter," said Mr Price.

Two of the poems, 'Sitting Beneath a Tree' and 'These I have Loved' have already received a public airing having been recited at an informal evening of 'Cider with Harvey' held recently at The Railway.

"They are very nice poems and I personally think 'Sitting Beneath the Tree' is a very special piece of work. David must be very pleased to have discovered the verses. They are quite a significant find," said Mr Deeks.

He said society member Teresa Davies was researching a number of sources and piecing together a collection of Harvey's unpublished works.

Harvey, who died in 1957, was a nationally famous poet and author who was decorated for bravery in the First World War when he was taken prisoner. He lived at Minsterworth, Broadoak and Yorkley and became a popular Forest figure working as a local solicitor. He was a sportsman and broadcaster who studied local dialect.

•More details of the F W Harvey Society are available from the website http://www.fwharveysociety">www.fwharveysociety. co.uk