MORE than 200 businesses from the south were represented at the official opening of The Rose Bowl's new hospitality facility, The Hampshire Suite.

Entertained by the Southampton Youth Brass Band, guests enjoyed champagne and canaps before watching Shaun Udal, a former England player, symbolically cut the ribbon and declare the new suite officially open.

Managing director Nick Pike charted The Rose Bowl's four-year development from derelict farmland to international sporting venue.

Overlooking the first-class cricket ground, which is home to the Hampshire Cricket team, The Hampshire Suite offers flexible conference, hospitality, banqueting, event and function facilities for up to 400 people.

The Rose Bowl is at West End, near Southampton.