Leading politicians from Guatemala have paid a fact-finding visit to Banbury.

The Guatemalan delegates -- guests of the House of Commons -- were shown around by the town's MP, Tony Baldry.

The South Americans were interested in health, local government, and how a British MP related to his constituency.

They toured the offices of the Cherwell Vale Primary Care Trust to learn more about health care. Anita Higham, the trust's chief executive, briefed them on the delivery of local health services.

Later they met Grahame Handley, the chief executive of Cherwell District Council, who explained how local government worked in Britain. Mr Baldry said: "I'm glad this parliamentary delegation is in the UK.

"Guatemala might sound a remote country, but it's important to remember that not long ago British troops were in Belize because of border disputes with Guatemala.

"It's good news that these politicians decided to spend a day in Banbury."