A KEW Gardens expert has been appointed chairman of the Ampfield-based Sir Harold Hillier Gardens advisory committee.

Professor Monique Simmonds currently co-ordinates research into the uses of plants for medicines, cosmetics and food at Kew.

Her new role with th Hillier Gardens will last three and a half years.

“I am honoured to have been invited to take on this position. I hope that I can assist the gardens develop their diversity of exciting programmes so that they highlight, not only the role plants play in our lives today, but the need to conserve plant collections such as those at Hillier Gardens for the enjoyment of future generations,” said Professor Simmonds.

Hampshire’s leader Ken Thornber welcomed the appointment of Professor Simmonds.

“I am delighted that Professor Simmonds is joining us and her international standing will add enormously to the expertise at our disposal at the internationally renowned Hillier Gardens.”