The owner of a gastro-pub in South Leigh near Witney has been fined £1,765 for breaching new smoke-free legislation.

Gerry Stonhill, of The Mason Arms, was given three separate fines of £500 for failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free area, along with fines of £200 and £50 for not displaying the correct No Smoking sign, and smoking in a smoke-free area himself.

Costs were also awarded against Mr Stonhill of £4,000.

He pleaded guilty at the hearing at Witney Magistrate' Court.

Bill Oddy, head of community services at West Oxfordshire District Council, which brought the prosecution, said: "This investigation was carried out after a member of the public complained to the council.

"Our officers provided advice and several attempts were made to persuade Mr Stonhill to comply with the law."

The Health Act 2006 requires that almost all enclosed public places and workplaces are to be kept smoke-free, and carry suitable advice signs.

Failure to comply can lead to a fixed penalty notice, or prosecution.