DORSET and Hampshire horticultural group Golden Acres has bought Three Legged Cross Garden Centre for an undisclosed sum.

The business - known locally as John T Brown's after its founder - will now trade as John Brown's Garden Centre.

All staff have been retained except the directors, who were all family members. A new centre manager will be appointed shortly.

The business was started in 1972. Late founder John Brown's widow Jean has now decided to retire.

Other family members were directors of the company - daughters Gillian and Christine, and Christine's husband Gary.

Christine and Gary will continue to work at the centre for one month to help with the transition.

All five concessions which operate on the site are unaffected by the takeover.

Golden Acres already operates garden centres at Ferndown, Landford and Cadnam, plus two growing nurseries and a central wholesale and cash & carry operation at its Ferndown head office.

Managing director Paul Richards said: "The centre is a well-run site that has grown steadily over the years but will benefit now from modernising and investment."

Funding was arranged by Barclays Business Banking.

Barclays corporate relationship manager Andy Cranstone said: "Golden Acres Nursery is an impressive and ambitious business with a good-quality management team."