Winchester City Council's tourism team has a new member - Karen Brazier.

As marketing manager, she will oversee the production of the city's visitors' guide, the planning of promotional campaigns and the commissioning of research.

She will also lead the development of the new website, www.visitwinchester.com, due to be launched early in 2003.

Her previous employment was with the Automobile Association, where she was responsible for the development and publication of its bestselling food, accommodation and visitor guides.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for me to channel my enthusiasm for Winchester in a way that will benefit the community as a whole," she said.

"Winchester is already well known for its rich heritage, which has been the traditional draw for tourists.

"However, it has a great deal more to offer today's increasingly demanding visitor - from its idyllic location and its many elegant shops and restaurants to more modern attractions such as the newly-opened Intech centre.

"We need to broadcast this message widely to ensure that the city maintains its reputation as a high-quality and forward-looking visitor destination."