NEW Milton is one of only six towns in the south-east chosen to join a new scheme to explore how businesses can help regenerate market towns.

Local decision makers will work with representatives from the Business in the Community programme to set out a long-term vision for the town's future.

The aim is produce a clear action plan to help get the local business community involved in regeneration work in the town.

New Milton's market town project officer, Alison Talbot, said: "Business in the Community will bring fresh ideas and insight into working with the business sector and we look forward to sharing our experiences with other towns in the programme."

New Milton already has an established town project group currently developing a long-term strategy for the town and hopes the BITC initiative will enhance its work.

Cllr Michael Woodhall, Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: "This will be a great boost to our Hampshire market town project, which is helping small rural towns across the county encourage prosperity and a sense of identity and community."

Clive Rayment from BITC commented: "Business has a large part to play in the future prosperity of market towns and we are very pleased that we have the opportunity of working with the Hampshire programme."

Representatives from each of the six market towns involved in the programme are planning to meet up at a conference in November to share their experiences.