ONE man's crusade to save a ship graveyard has been boosted by a visit from the makers of a hit TV programme.

BBC TV's Coast will feature the Purton Hulks, a collection of ships beached on the eastern bank of the River Severn, to protect the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

The site has been championed by Tuffley maritime historian and chairman of the recently-formed Friends of Purton, Paul Barnett.

"This visit is the pinnacle of some tens of years research into this unique site which seeks to recognise the significance of this time capsule, an age long since gone," said Mr Barnett.

The site also known as the Purton ships graveyard will appear in the fourth series due to be aired in the Spring of 2009 and will form a walk through piece fronted by the anchor presenter, Neil Oliver.

Fellow presenter Dr Mark Horton, from Wotton-under-Edge, has already backed Mr Barnett's petition to make the site a listed ancient monument.

From 1910, the canal authority beached old vessels to form breakwaters and so save the canal from river erosion. The last vessels to be beached were the motorised barge Severn Falcon and seven ferrous concrete barges in the late 1960s.

"This site has been habitually open to destruction from arson, vandalism and trophy hunters," said Mr Barnett. "Sadly this continues to the current day and I implore the authorities to act now and afford protection to what is believed to be the largest terrestrial ships' graveyard in the country."

The Friends of Purton are currently recruiting like-minded people to act as site guides, to conduct an ongoing programme of archaeological surveys and participate in forthcoming research programmed for 2009. For details on this or the petition call Mr Barnett on 07833 143 231 or email barnadillo@aol.com