OXFORDSHIRE is to take a surprise starring role in the grand final of Channel 4's Village of the Year competition grand final this Saturday.

The directors of Lains Barn wedding venue just outside Wantage have revealed that they hosted the event when it was filmed in September.

The revelation comes as a boost for Oxfordshire after the county's one village which entered the first rounds - Uffington - was knocked out in the early stages.

Martin Sherry, co-director of Lains Barn with his wife Barbara, said he was excited to see the venue on national TV.

He added: "I had a call from the producer and she said the barn looks beautiful."

The final will be shown this Saturday on Channel 4 from 8pm.