TOURIST chiefs are splashing out on a new campaign to woo visitors to top attractions in the south.

The Southern and South East Tourist Board has published a brochure that gives detailed descriptions of major crowd-pullers in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Days Out in Southern England was launched by radio presenter Steve Power at Paultons Park, Ower. Steve, who presents the breakfast show on Wave 105, turned tourist himself and tried out the newest ride at Paultons - the Wave Runner. Users scramble into rubber inflatables and shoot down open-topped flumes before gliding to a halt at the bottom.

Steve stressed the importance of encouraging Londoners to escape the pressures and pollution of city life and spend their hard-earned wages in Hampshire.

He was joined at Paultons by representatives from the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, and other attractions in the Southamp-ton area.

Days out in Southern England describes Southampton as the ideal destination for families seeking a relaxing day out.

The brochure salutes the "vibrant" city centre, describing the WestQuay complex as the premier shopping centre in the south. It also promotes the city's Maritime Museum and Hall of Aviation.

Karen Roebuck, the tourist board's senior marketing services manager, said: "There's so much to see and so many things to do in this area."