THE father of a family struck down by a car while walking along a Dorchester street has spoken of how the near-disaster makes him want to do more for the community.

Matt Barge, his wife Mel and young sons Finley and Oliver were all injured after a car careered into them in South Street in 2004.

Baby Oliver was only 10 weeks old and suffered a double fracture of the skull. Finley had a head injury and broken leg and Mrs Barge hurt her knee and foot.

Mr Barge had serious facial injuries including a broken jaw and smashed teeth as he was flung over the car by the impact.

He said today that the family had recovered but the accident had been a life-changing experience.

"Up until then we had just been like every other family. You go to work, pay for things, don't really think about it. But that was a really close call for us and it made us appreciate life more. It made us think more about the extended family and about the community generally.

"It made me want to do more for the community, put something in."

As a result Mr Barge has become chairman of Dorchester Community Nursery School in York Road.

And one of his first tasks was to help organise an open evening, being held tonight, when adults get the chance to play like under-fives.

He said: "This is very much a community nursery and we want people to see what we do and have to offer.

"People will be able to have a go at the things the children do: learning through play and painting and all sorts.

"There'll be refreshments: nibbles and wine perhaps or maybe milk and a biscuit. It's to give people an insight into what we do.

"We also hope to develop a new facility there and it will give us an idea of what people will want."

He said the nursery has a large garden for the children to play in.

Finley attended the nursery before starting school and Oliver, nearly three, attends now.

Mr Barge's pleasure at seeing his family recover from their ordeal and his determination to put something extra into his community help ease one lasting sadness.

"I used to play the trumpet. It was more than a hobby. I used to play with bands and had my own quartet for a while. I loved it and played wherever I could, jazz, big bands, a Blues Brothers tribute band.

"But because of all the dental work and loss of feeling I can't play to the same standard any more. The accident put the kibosh on that. So my trumpet just sits there looking at me.

"I try to play it, but I can't play in public any more.

"But it's true that time helps. And it's true that something like this can make you stronger as a family."

n Tonight's open evening starts at 7.30pm.