TOWNS and parishes across the New Forest planning to host street parties to mark next month's royal wedding have been given a helping hand.

Ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markel's big day on Saturday, May 19, New Forest District Council has agreed to waive the fee normally charged for groups holding events that require road closures.

Proposed special events which need highways to be closed for a period of time are normally charged £154 to process the application.

Any event that is expected to attract in less than 500 people and have a limited impact on the travel capabilities in the area are not required to pay the fee and viewed as a small street party.

With high national interest expected and plans already taking shape across the New Forest, such as in Ringwood, the district council is expecting that a number of events for the royal wedding will not meet the small street party criteria.

However, in a portfolio holder decision made by Cllr Edward Heron, the normal £154 fee for processing the road closure will be waived for events that are taking place specifically related to the royal wedding.

Cllr Heron said: "After being approached by a town council that was looking to put on an event there was a decision to be made about the charges. "We really want to support and encourage other people to do the same and celebrate the occasion in style.

"As we have done for previous events, we always try to work with parishes and town councils to allow them to mark these occasions that are for the community and bring people together right across the New Forest."

Ringwood Town Council has been putting plans together for the royal wedding since December, with hopes of holding a street celebration in the Market Place.