New Forest residents will in future be able to access information about a range of council issues at the touch of a screen because of a new hi-tech system.

Meridian Tonight presenter Debbie Thrower was at the council's headquarters in Lyndhurst to launch the TellyTalk system.

The service, which is being funded by a £200,000 central government grant, enables residents to speak face-to-face with experts via a hi-tech video conferencing link.

People with complicated problems will be able to get advice from more than one source and fill in the necessary forms without moving from one spot.

Debbie said: "This is much better than just hanging on the telephone for hours. If you can see someone you feel like you have got their attention."

Letters and forms can be scanned and signed in one office and picked up in another via the new system without residents having to travel from place to place.

"If you have a form to fill in and they are doing it for you and you have a face to relate to it is far, far easier," added Debbie.

TellyTalk puts people in direct contact with experts from New Forest District Council, Citizens Advice Bureau, New Forest Disability Information Service, Sure Start Scheme and JobCentre Plus - services which are located miles away from each other.

Council bosses secured the grant from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister because of the unique nature of the New Forest area with its intermittent communication links and large distances to travel.