Gale force winds and torrential downpours have caused havoc at a country park.

Staff at Aldenham Country Park, in Dagger Lane, are beginning the clear-up work after severe weather in December and at the beginning of this month brought down between 15 and 20 trees and left much of the park waterlogged.

Communications manager at Aldenham Country Park Olivier Behzadi said: "The wind started by bringing down the small, weak trees around the park, and as it grew worse we began to lose the bigger trees. One big oak has been completely laid low, it’s been made safe and now the children are climbing on it."

Mr Behzadi said the falling trees had caused some significant damage to the park’s facilities.

He added: "A tree smashed the fence at the children’s play area, which is a bit of a hassle. We’ve worked hard to make the area safe although the tree is still in place. It means the playground is no longer secure for children to use."

He said visitor numbers had been brought down by the terrible weather and activities such as pony rides had also been affected.

However, Mr Behzadi said there was still plently to keep visitors interested at the park despite the wintery weather.