New Forest authority takes charge

It becomes Britain's smallest national park at 571 sq km

The authority in charge of England's newest national park officially takes charge from Saturday.

The New Forest National Park Authority will receive an annual government grant of about £3.5m to be spent on conservation projects.

The ancient hunting grounds of The New Forest, famed for its wild ponies, became a national park in March 2005.

The organisation will also be responsible for planning issues within the boundaries of the park.