CONFERENCE business is booming at Careys Manor Hotel in the New Forest, with an increase in bookings into next year.

Christopher Biggin, general manager of the Brockenhurst hotel, said: "This year the conference rooms have been taken up very quickly as more and more

businesses recover from last year's downturn in business.

"Careys Manor is proving to be a popular location as it is easy to access from the major motorways and set in the beautiful surroundings of the Forest. It is a wonderful place to get away from the office environment and focus the mind."

The hotel has three conference suites, two of which provide sound- proofing partitions to give

delegates the option of dividing up the room. The largest conference room has three adjacent syndicate rooms and a self-contained reception area. It can seat 100 guests.

Mr Biggin said many delegates stayed on after the end of conferences to enjoy the hotel and its surroundings.