Isolated and vulnerable people across Oxfordshire will be able to get access to free legal advice following the launch of a pioneering hi-tech service.

The Internet-based scheme will allow people to get advice at local neighbourhood and family centres - giving many their first opportunity to receive free legal guidance close to home.

Once the system is fully operational, users will be able to talk to a specialist solicitor via terminals in Blackbird Leys in Oxford, Carterton, Chipping Norton and Banbury.

The Legal Advice Direct service was developed by solicitor Marlan Higgins, who runs the system from his office in Bridge Street, Witney. It cost him £50,000 to set up.

After months of preparation, the system is set to go live, following the delivery of computer equipment to family centres across the county.

Mr Higgins said once it was operating, the scheme would be extended, with up to 12 terminals placed in libraries and other community facilities across the county within 18 months. These would also be used by those not eligible for Legal Aid funding.

The system has been praised by Witney MP and Conservative Party leader David Cameron, who saw the system in action Mr Higgins's office - and tested it by linking up with the Cuddesdon Corner Family Centre, in Blackbird Leys.

"I have to stress I'm not a lawyer, and not the best person to deal with your concern," he joked, as he chatted online to centre staff.

Mr Cameron said people in west Oxfordshire, particularly, had been poorly served with access to free legal advice. Before Legal Aid Direct was set up, there were no Legal Aid solicitors in the district.

People had to travel to Oxford for advice.

He said: "If this system gives people access to legal advice, it's very welcome.

"One of the issues I get at my surgeries is people asking questions which are really for lawyers - and we have to be careful not to give legal advice."

Mr Higgins said: "The system is very clever and we're proud of it. You just need a camera and headphones to plug into it. At any one time, it could have 20 family solicitors logged on, all ready to give advice.

"At first, it might be a bit scary, but we'll have a worker with them to guide them through the process.

"It's very simple. You just have to click on the area of law you want advice on."

He added: "We're not a 'virtual' firm - we're real solicitors people will be able to talk to via a web-cam. Lawyers are now on the front line - and you can talk to us from a family centre near you."