Fact File

• The Borough of Christchurch has a population of around 44,000 people. It occupies an area of 50 square km and incorporates the areas of Mudeford, Highcliffe, Burton, Winkton and Hurn.

• The shared name of Christchurch, New Zealand and Christchurch, Dorset is co-incidental - Christchurch New Zealand being named after Christ Church College in Oxford University. Like Christchurch New Zealand, Christchurch in Dorset also has a river Avon, but again, the names have separate origins.

• Christchurch is home to Highcliffe Castle, which is thought to be Britain's most important remaining example of Romantic and Pictureseque style architecture. Christchurch also has the largest maze in the south of England in the Alice in Wonderland Family Park.

• Christchurch is well known for its floral displays and has recently been named Great Britain 'Best Town' in the national floral award competition.

• The town's harbour is an excellent place for windsurfing and it's where Britain's National Windsurfing Championships are held.

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