New Forest Monopoly launches at Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst as famous face arrives in vintage Rolls Royce from Beaulieu Motor Museum

LOCAL boardgamers can now get their hands on the area’s most expensive properties as New Forest Monopoly has finally hit shops.

The game, in stores from today (Thursday), features a raft of local charities and businesses – including the A&T – on the famous board and was offically launched by mascot, Mr Monopoly. He arrived in style at the Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst in a vintage 1914 Rolls-Royce Alpine Eagle, courtesy of the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

The board has been produced by London-based games company Winning Moves UK, under licensing from Hasbro.

Speaking at the launch was Chris Wilson, who owns the Balmer Lawn Hotel with wife Alison.

He said: “I have very fond memories of Monopoly as it was the first game my father introduced me to.

“I spent many, many happy hours playing the game so am proud and privileged to be included.”

General Manager at Balmer Lawn Hotel Michael Clitheroe added: “With the New Forest being voted Europe’s best national park on TripAdvisor last year, we knew it was only a matter of time before the UK’s long-time favourite board game honoured the region this way.

“There is no better board game and I can’t wait to play it.”

Serving up a treat to guests at the launch was New Forest Ice Cream, which also features on the game board with a specialist ice cream game token.

The famous boot token has been replaced with a New Forest pony while a pig and tent also feature among the customised pieces.

The ‘streets’ have been themed in genres, from heritage to tourism, hotels to shopping, business to travel.

There is also a set which includes The Ellingham Show and the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, while the quartet of railway stations are handed over to local stations including Brockenhurst.

Several charities also feature including Simon Says, New Forest Basics Bank and Love the Forest.

Carol Seymour, Business Manager of Go New Forest which is represented on the board, said: “Monopoly is such a popular game, loved by every generation, and to be able to showcase our wonderful national park, with its fabulous unique landmarks and highlighting the New Forest code in such a fun and exciting way, means that everyone’s a winner.”

As well as all the famous sites being hand over to New Forest landmarks, the games cards are customised too.

One card sees players rewarded for their pony winning the gruelling annual Point to Point, which takes place on Boxing Day.

Custom games executive at Winning Moves UK, Ella Gibbs, said: “It’s a celebration of everything that is New Forest, from landmarks with history dating back to the year 1100 through to today’s local food bank.”

“We have been wonderfully spoiled for choice putting this edition together.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed during the public consultation process.”

New Forest Monopoly is available to buy at WHSmith, Waterstones and Amazon.

• Pick up your A&T from the newsstand tomorrow (Friday) for a chance to win one of six New Forest Monopoly sets