A CARELESS driver has caused more than £4,000 of damage to an historic park gate in Coleford – and now help is needed to pay for the repairs.

The 12ft high wrought iron gate at the entrance to the Angus Buchanan VC Memorial Recreation Ground was knocked from its hinge three weeks ago.

Since then it has been propped against the stone pillar at the entrance to the park.

It was only recently re-hung after another accident just before Christmas.

Members of the Angus Buchanan Trust are appealing for donations from the public to help restore the gates, which were specially designed to commemorate the Victoria Cross awarded to Coleford WWI veteran Captain Angus Buchan­an.

Captain Buchanan rescued two wounded soldiers in battle and lost his sight. After the war, he studied at Oxford University and came back to Coleford to practise as a solicitor.

The people of Coleford bought the ground in 1919 through public subscription.

The Trust is mainly funded by donations and though some money is left in the Trust's coffers, it is needed to maintain the children's play area.

Trust spokesman Catherine McMahon said: "The gate has been hit very badly this time, by what we think must have been a high-sided vehicle.

"It has come off the hinge at the bottom and the huge blocks in the large stone pillar have been pushed out of line. We had a quote for repairing the gate and this will be about £3,000 – that's without any work on the pillar."

Anyone with information about how the damage occurred and anyone who would like to make a donation is asked to contact the Trust on 01594 835919.

People interested in becoming a member of the Trust committee or groups that would like to use the Recreation Ground are asked to contact the secretary Colin Robertshaw on 01594 833111 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]