Ramblers staged a walking protest to highlight the problems of neglected footpaths in the countryside around Banbury.

The Cherwell branch of the Ramblers' Association took part in a three-mile walk starting from Wroxton.

The walk took in missing signposts, broken stiles and overgrown footpaths.

The group, whose oldest member is 85, struggled over difficult stiles and pushed their way through fields where crops had been planted over public footpaths.

Ramblers on their protest walk

Members want Oxfordshire County Council to invest more money in maintenance.

The council's team of field officers said it does what it can with limited resources and blamed some of the problems on vandals who ride through fields on motorbikes and damage signs.

Charles Woolland, chairman of the Cherwell branch of the Ramblers' Association, said: "Where there is no stile, people are going through a gate which they shouldn't be. Where there are crossroads, there needs to be a finger post."

Mr Woolland added: "The council needs to spend more money to fulfil its duty of keeping the paths open for public enjoyment."

Hugh Potter, senior field officer for the county council, said: "We've sent letters to all the landowners to remind them they are responsible for maintaining footpaths and we pursue them to ensure the work is undertaken."

To report a problem, call area field officer Sarah Aldous on 01865 810228.