Romsey has been chosen by Action for Market Towns to host its national conference next year.

Town Centre manager Christine Cole, who has just returned from the organisation's conference in Caernarfon, said she was pleased because of the benefit it will bring to the area.

"The people who come here for the conference will be able to tell other people about what a busy little market town this is with so much to offer," she said.

About 200 delegates will arrive in the town for the conference, which is scheduled to take place between September 23rd and 25th. There will be a mix of people including town councillors and town centre managers, some of whom will bring partners to the conference. They will be staying in and around Romsey. As well as the main conference and workshops the visitors will be visiting places of interest - of which there are many in and around the town, Christine said.

Romsey has twice been runner-up to host the conference, but Christine said next year would be a good year for the event, with Bradbeers modernisation programme complete and Waitrose up and running.

Pat West, Mayor of Test Valley, said she was delighted at the news. "This is the result of two years' hard work by the Borough and town councils," she said this week.

"We very much look forward to this event. It will bring delegates from all over the country to Romsey and will not only boost tourism and the local economy but will provide a showcase for the area."

"Romsey Chamber of Commerce is proud and chuffed that a national organisation feels that Romsey is important enough to holds its national conference here. All businesses in the town should welcome them," said President Peter McVean.

"We are confident that the delegates will spread the word that Romsey is a beautiful town. The conference will give a boost to tourism and the local economy. It's great."