Banbury is the first community in Oxfordshire to win a coveted safer shopping award.

The prize, sponsored by the Government, is awarded to town and city centres that take all possible precautions to tackle crime and disorder.

Sgt Paul Whitty, of Banbury police, said: "This is a tremendous achievement for Banbury and a boost for the town centre. It indicates a safe and secure shopping area which other towns in the county need to match."

He said: "Banbury has set the standard. The partnership that put the scheme together included the business community, Cherwell District Council, Banbury Town Council, and the police. "We were all put under close scrutiny during the judging when Home Office experts toured the town. Clearly they liked what they saw and heard."

Maria Warters, manager of Debenhams, in Castle Quay, and chairman of the partnership, said: "A lot of work was done by members of the partnership to get the award, but we cannot sit back. The award is for three years, and we must carry on working if we are to retain it in 2005."