RURAL affairs minister Alun Michael has announced a major cash boost for the newly created New Forest National Park.

Mr Michael said it would receive £200,000 year on top of the annual £3.5m that has already been allocated.

The extra cash will be given to a special fund set up to pay for environmental improvements in the Forest.

Similar funds have already been set up in other National Parks to support a variety of schemes, including wildlife projects and green transport initiatives.

Now businesses and community groups are being invited to say how they think the Forest money should be spent.

Mr Michael said: "I am very passionate about national parks and what they can offer visitors and communities.

"I would encourage everyone to start thinking about how they can actively contribute to sustainability in the national park through this fund.

"We intend to publish details of the scheme in September."

Existing funds in other national parks have so far given a total of almost £3m to more than 300 projects.

l The 22 members of the New Forest National Park authority have now been named.

They include five members of Hampshire County Council, including the leader, Ken Thornber, who represents Brockenhurst.

The other four councillors are Brian Dash (Hythe and Dibden), Lee Dunsdon (Fawley), Katherine Heron (Fordingbridge) and Mel Kendal (Lyndhurst), who is also leader of New Forest District Council.

Four members of the district council have also been chosen.

They are deputy leader Barry Rickman (Sway), Jeremy Heron (Ringwood South), Stan Wade (Hythe South) and Pat Wyeth (Lyndhurst).