VISITORS could soon be seeing new signs welcoming them to the New Forest as they drive into the UK's latest National Park.

Four logos have been drawn up by consultants Blue Water Design and people were asked to nominate their favourite at the packed inaugural meeting of the National Park Authority at Lyndhurst on Monday.

The NPA is hoping to make a recommendation to its next meeting at the Balmer Lawn Hotel, Brockenhurst, on May 17.

The chosen design is not only likely to go up on road signs at New Forest "gateways", but will also appear on brochures, letter headings and even T-shirts and other souvenirs.

Chairman Ted Johnson said: "The image you choose is going to go far and wide and will give a subliminal message about the New Forest National Park and the National Park Authority and we want this to be the right image."

During a press conference Mr Johnson said no plans are yet in place for gateways or, indeed, for anything else.

The authority had only just been formed and caution is the name of the game at this point, he said.

"We want to carry the local populace with us but we want to make quite sure that the visitors to this area are well aware that they are entering a National Park which, by definition, will be a very special place," he said.

Visitor centres are another option for the NPA, though Mr Johnson said nothing had been decided and all options are open.

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