Abingdon's Market Place - spruced up at a cost of £360,000 - is back in business.

Market traders returned on Monday after being transferred to the Abbey Close car park last February.

Jimmy James, chairman of the market traders' association, said: "After such a long stint away we're all very pleased to be doing business again from the new-look Market Place. It's our traditional home. It is so much better and I'm sure it will attract more people."

Mayor Lorraine Oates unveiled a stone in the centre of the Market Place showing the town's coat of arms.

Mrs Oates thanked the town council, Vale of White Horse District Council and Oxfordshire County Council for their financial support.

She said: "The Market Place is a key focal point in the town. It looks so much better and now we want people to make more use of it for events, particularly on Saturdays.

"The square is a wonderful asset."

Guests included district council chairman Julie Mayhew-Archer and the landscape architect and project manager for the refurbishment Mike Habermehl.