A ROMANY Gypsy family living near Fordingbridge have said they are the target of almost daily hate crimes enduring abuse, racism and prejudice.

Romany Gypsies John, Kate, Maylee and Kia Rose have been selling the eggs from their chickens, along with wooden flower garlands from the side of the A338, just north of Fordingbridge, where their much-loved cob Albert, who pulls the bow top wagon, is able to graze.

It may look romantic, but life on the road is hard, made harder by prejudice, the couple say.

Kate said: “I would like to say that we have a mixed reaction, but the truth is we mostly have negative comments hurled at us. We have taught our children to cope with abuse, it is only words.

“There are some good hearts out there though. A lady from Verwood stopped and asked me if we needed anything.

“I said no, but the children, well you know what kids are like, said they would like some fruit. The lady returned with six bags of shopping.”

John said: “Just recently we had fireworks thrown at us, scaring our animals, which are our pride and joy.”

The family travel steadily, mindful of their animals, to places to rest or find work. In December the family comes to Dorset to sell holly wreaths.

John added: "Our children have been taught to respect the land on which we rest and they are very well educated by us. We always clear up where we have stopped and take all the litter with us, even if its not ours.

"In today's world so many children are cooped indoors playing video games or staring at a television. They do not learn important skills.

"My family from hundreds of years ago were born to the New Forest, living off the land in horse drawn wagons. We can no longer get into the National Park really because of the cattle grids. And while there are gates for the horses, we cannot get our wagon through them."

Romany Gypsies were first documented in Hampshire in 1638. Until 1938, Gypsies were able to camp and roam in the Forest.

In 1926 the compound system forced Gypsies to settle in seven areas, including Thorny Hill, Latchmoor and Shave Wood and stopped roaming.

In 1947 the Ringwood and Fordingbridge Rural Council started a policy of resettlement, moving the families from compounds into council housing.