A MAJOR conference on the future of the countryside attracted more than 100 delegates in Winchester today.

Farmers, politicians, education leaders and government agencies thrashed out the government's new Rural White Paper at Sparsholt College.

Delegates heard from a panel of national speakers, including Brian McLaughlin, head of environment and land use for the National Farmers' Union, and John Findlay, chief executive for the National Association of Local Councils.

Richard Longman, from the government's Rural White Paper team, also addressed the event, chaired by the Rt Hon Earl of Malmesbury, chairman of the committee for Rural Hampshire.

Ken Thornber, leader of the county council, which helped organise the conference, said: "The Rural White Paper sets out a framework for the future of the countryside that cuts across all the services we provide, from transport to education, social services, planning and many others.

"That's why we very much welcome its publication and look forward to developing further programmes and partnerships with all those organisations represented by the Committee for Rural Hampshire, to help make a living, working and protected countryside."