Police are appealing for help from the public to stop people lighting fires and damaging a popular woodland in Clevedon.

Over the past month there have been three fires at Clevedon Court Woods, most of which have been started at the base of 100-year-old oak trees.

Other trees have been hacked down to build skate and bike ramps around the woodland.

Police have increased patrols in the area to try to catch the culprits and stop further fires.

The woods are popular with ramblers and dog walkers and officers from the police and Avon Fire and Rescue are now appealing to the public to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity in the woods immediately.

Clevedon Police Community Support Officer, Elle French, said: "We are very concerned about the fires that have broken out in Clevedon Court Woods over the past few weeks, and I would like to ask members of the community who visit this beauty spot to be extra vigilant and report any sightings of the offenders straight away.

"We've stepped up our patrols in the woods but due to it being such a huge area I also urge members of the public who use this beauty spot to help us catch whoever is responsible for damage to this beautiful area."

Clevedon Court dates back to the 14th century and is owned by the National Trust.

Anyone with information or anyone wanting to report an incident should contact Clevedon police on 0845 4567000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.