POLICE leave has been cancelled for the weekend because of fears of a mass invasion of Savernake Forest to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the notorious Battle of the Beanfield in June 1985.

Information has been received by the police that attempts will be made to repeat a huge rave that occurred over a the May Day bank holiday weekend in 2003.

The police, Forestry Commission and Savernake estate were taken by surprise when between 800 and 1,000 revellers invaded the woods, shattering the peace for residents over an area as far away as Ramsbury for a three day period.

The Battle of the Beanfield happened on June 1 1985 when police clashed in a field in Cholderton with a convoy of hippies that had left their camp in Savernake Forest and headed for Stonehenge.

Police are anxious to prevent any major invasion of the forest this weekend. Leave has been cancelled for local officers and reinforcements will be on stand-by.

Police said they have the go-ahead from the Earl of Cardigan and the Forestry Commission to thwart any attempts to hold a rave.

Officers who monitor the internet for information about illegal events have found an advertisement for a Vintage Bus and Club gathering in Savernake Forest on May 31 "recreating a bygone era of classic camping in Wiltshire. If you are interested in converted coaches or simply driving old trucks and trailers then our event may interest you".

Police believe the wording is a euphemism for a rave gathering.

On Monday Insp Jerry Dawson, the Marlborough sector commander, called a meeting of town and parish councillors and land agents at the police station.

He appealed to members of the public to be vigilant and report immediately to police any signs of a gathering being set up in the forest.

Insp Dawson said: "This holiday weekend is seen as a potential target and we will have dedicated police units on stand-by throughout."

The inspector said genuine visitors to the forest and picnickers would still be allowed in. "It must be clearly understood by anyone thinking about coming to the area with the intention of setting up a rave or festival that they are not welcome," he said.