MARKS & Spencer has revealed plans to open a food store in a Hampshire town.

The move has been welcomed by civic chiefs and business leaders in New Milton, who say an M&S branch would give the local economy a huge boost.

The upmarket chain is thought to be interested in taking over the former Co-op premises in Station Road South.

An M&S spokesman said: "We are interested in bringing an M&S Foodhall to the New Milton area so we can best serve our customers.

"We have no further details at the moment but will update the community when we can."

The town mayor, Cllr David Hawkins, said he hoped the opening of an M&S store would attract a large number of extra shoppers to the town.

He said: "I'm highly delighted - this is exactly what New Milton would like.

"They do sell good quality food and this will be welcomed by many residents."

Formerly occupied by Somerfield and Morrisons, the Station Road South premises have been empty for more than a year.

Cllr Goff Beck, a senior member of the town council and New Forest District Council, said: "It's a lovely building that's stood vacant for far too long and should be operating for the benefit of the community.

"It was a food store and has always been a food store. The move would enhance the property."

Suna King, the town council's town development manager, added: "A large proportion of people would be highly delighted if M&S came to New Milton."

M&S already has stores in two of New Milton's main commercial rivals - Lymington and Christchurch.

The company's Lymington branch is a former Waitrose outlet in St Thomas's Street.

Previous proposals to turn it into an Argos sparked a storm of protest, with critics claiming the scheme would "lower the tone".