A HAMPSHIRE peer has launched an attempt to save the New Forest's biggest dog show after it was ousted from its traditional home.

Members of Christchurch and New Forest Canine Society have been barred from taking part in next year's New Forest Show at Brockenhurst.

The shock decision has left the society desperately searching for a new venue.

Now Lord Montagu of Beaulieu has offered to let the group stage a summer dog show in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

And club secretary Jan Munson has welcomed the proposal to move the event from Brockenhurst to Beaulieu although details would have to be worked out.

She said: "We were ever so pleased to hear about this. It would be ideal down there because it's right in the heart of the Forest.

"Lord Montagu's estate manager has spoken to us and we're going to meet them and see what's what.

"We need to see what they're offering and what we want and take it from there."

Lord Montagu added: "I don't see why the society couldn't stage a stand-alone show at the museum. We've got all the facilities needed to cater for large crowds.

"I don't think we've ever held a major dog show at the museum, but there's a first time for everything."

Dogs have been an integral part of the New Forest Show for 40 years.

But show chiefs have confirmed that they will not be making space available for a dog show section at next year's three-day spectacular.

Chairman Christopher Gwyn-Evans said the decision stemmed from the need to meet "significant changes in the public's interests and expectations".

The National Motor Museum is one of Britain's top tourist attractions.

More than 400,000 people a year visit, Lord Montagu's ancestral home.

Leading Hampshire dog breeder Jenny Manley welcomed the peer's offer to provide the canine society with a new venue.

Mrs Manley, of Fawley Road, Hythe, said the National Motor Museum was a more prestigious venue than the New Forest Show.

She added: "I think a lot of people visiting the museum would also want to take a look at the dogs - and vice versa.

"Hopefully Lord Montagu and the canine society would both benefit if the show was moved to Beaulieu."

Meanwhile, Mrs Manley has written to the New Forest Show office to protest at the canine kick-out.

She is also disputing suggestions that the dog show has declined in popularity in recent years.

"It gets so busy that you can hardly get out of the tent and there are always loads of members of the public just wanting to ask questions," she said.

The life of Lord Montagu: Don't miss our Magazine special feature free with the Daily Echo this Saturday.

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