AN ancient Napoleonic cannon damaged by vandals was being restored to its home in Woodbridge's Elmhurst park today. The cannon was tipped over by vandals at the end of April this year, leaving the solid oak carriage in need of serious repairs.

AN ancient Napoleonic cannon damaged by vandals was being restored to its home in Woodbridge's Elmhurst park today.

The cannon was tipped over by vandals at the end of April this year, leaving the solid oak carriage in need of serious repairs.

For four months David Gregory, Woodbridge town council's parks' gardener, has been painstakingly repairing and cleaning the carriage. He has also constructed four new wheels for it.

Today his efforts will be rewarded as the cannon is placed back on the carriage at the side of Lime Kiln Quay Road, where it has stood since 1986.

The cannon itself weighs over a quarter of a tonne and was made in approximately 1790, around the time of the Napoleonic wars.

The carriage was constructed by the Trafalgar Gun Company on behalf of Bellway homes, the company who built Suffolk Place - the building opposite the park.

A specialist lifting device will be used to place the cannon back on to the carriage.

Parks' manager Lee Nunn said: "It will be great to have the cannon back in place as it is a well-known landmark for locals and tourists.

"The park is the only one in East Anglia to be awarded the government's prestigious green flag and the cannon is an important part of its history."

The green flag is awarded to parks and green spaces that meet national standards of cleanliness and sustainability and have contributed to community involvement.