Campaigners in Wantage are celebrating after a 25-year campaign for a pedestrian crossing on a busy road finally succeeded.

A zebra crossing to make the journey safer for children walking to Charlton Primary School will be built at the eastern end of Charlton Road, near the Lord Nelson pub.

A further crossing could also be introduced at the western end of Charlton Road, near Wantage Hospital.

Headteacher Duke Ashford said: "Parents have been signing petitions for a crossing at the bottom of Lark Hill for well over 25 years.

"A crossing is certainly needed there because it is a potential danger spot."

King Alfred's Community and Sports College assistant principal Simon Spiers said a pupil was involved in an accident trying to cross the road.

He said: "Even though there is a 30mph limit, it is a straight, wide road, so traffic often goes along it a lot faster.

"Although there is a school crossing patrol at the western end, and we have a senior member of staff on duty at the junction of Springfield Road and Charlton Road, we cannot supervise the whole length of the road."

Oxfordshire County Council is consulting on plans for a second crossing in Springfield Road, which would benefit pedestrians wanting to reach Wantage Hospital, the health centre and St John Vianney RC Church. Both crossings could be in place by the end of the summer.

Philip Crossland, group manager for road safety, said for the first time the council had money to spend on making more roads safer, not just those where there have been many accidents.