ONE of the most popular tourist areas in the New Forest has a new manager.

Rachel Pearson has been appointed resident agent to the Beaulieu Estate, which includes Palace House, the National Mot-or Museum and former shipbuilding village Buckler's Hard.

Mrs Pearson, 35, from Brock-enhurst, succeeds Alex Glan-ville, who has left to become head of property for the Church of Wales.

She managed Bournemouth International Airport and its 200-acre business park before becoming estate surveyor at Beaulieu three years ago.

She said: "I was drawn to Beaulieu by the obvious values of careful management by the Montagu family, not only in preserving local heritage and the environment but also continuing to support the local community."