A MEMBER of one of the most popular bands in the New Forest was still in intensive care last night more than two weeks after being hit by a car.

Gary Leport, pictured, bass guitarist with the legendary Plonkers Agricultural Orchestra, has been at Southampton General Hospital since being hit by a car on Southampton Road in Lymington on January 14.

The 64-yearold, who has played with stars such as Rod Stewart and Chuck Berry, suffered serious head injuries following the accident, which happened at 6.30pm. The driver of the Peugeot 306 car, a 25-year-old woman, was unhurt.

A hospital spokeswoman said Mr Leport’s condition was stable but that he remained on the neurological intensive care unit.

Mr Leport, of Paddock Gardens, known to his bandmates as Sludge, started playing guitar aged 15 before making his first recording with Joe Meek of Telstar fame. He then went on to form the Five Dimensions with a thenunknown Rod Stewart.

Plonkers frontman Gordon Brownen said: “Gary is a terrific musician and the backbone of the Plonkers.”

Police are asking witnesses to call 101.