A HEART-wrenching tale of camaraderie between human and horse has smashed Oxford box office records.

The New Theatre yesterday announced that internationally-acclaimed play War Horse has become the venue's biggest-selling show ever.

A total of 47,000 people saw the award-winning National Theatre production during its Christmas residency in the city, hitting 92 per cent capacity.

It arrived on the George Street theatre's stage on December 13 and shows took place until January 6.

Lee Duffy, general manager of the New Theatre Oxford, said: "We were thrilled when we heard that War Horse would be coming to Oxford.

"There was a real excitement around the show from the moment it was announced.

"The reaction to the production while it was here was overwhelming - we have received some fantastic feedback."

Directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, War Horse is Nick Stafford's adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's story.

Featuring impressive puppetry work by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company, it follows a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War.

It has been seen by more than seven million people worldwide and has won 25 awards, including the Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway.

The New Theatre's 2018 Christmas show is Jersey Boys, with tickets on sale soon.