Brands Hatch race trackÍs plans to destroy ancient woodland so it can host the 2002 British grand prix have been slammed by Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas.

ñThe home of British motor racing should not be allowed to desecrate ancient woodland to build, among other things, a new media centre, a helicopter pad and new car parks,î said Mr Thomas during a House of Commons debate.

The 37 acres at Brands Hatch is the highest profile case of at least 36 ancient woods that are under serious threat, he said.

ñAncient woods are one of the great irreplaceable and unsung glories of Britain's natural heritage,î he said.

ñThey are natureÍs cathedrals ,, timeless places of great beauty and tranquillity.î

At least 45 woodland species have become extinct during the past 100 years, including the frog orchid and the violet helleborine, which used to thrive in Pinner Wood in the Harrow West constituency, added Mr Thomas.

Environment, Transport and Regions minister Chris Mullin replied that: ñThe Government recognises the value of ancient woods. We have taken and are continuing to take a wide range of measures to protect and expand them.

'No one is under any illusions about the scale of the problem, but it is being addressed.'