Oxfordshire's profile is being raised in Europe with the launch of a Brussels office.

The county council is setting up a centre to provide advice and information on European Union matters relevant to the county.

It has joined up with other local authorities in the Thames Valley to establish a permanent low-cost presence in Brussels for the area, which has one of the continent's top performing economies.

Neil Kinnock, one of the UK's European commissioners and vice-president of the commission, launched the office when he opened the new South East England House near to the European Parliament.

The South East England Development Agency and the county council arranged for top local produce to be transported free to try to secure a foothold in Europe. Brakspear of Henley and Hook Norton and Wychwood of Witney all sent samples of their Oxfordshire-brewed beers. Sugar and Spice of Abingdon contributed loaf cakes and tray bakes and local potatoes were used by Natural Crisps of Eynsham.

Jenny Ashby, the council's European officer said: "Raising the profile of Oxfordshire will be an important task for the Brussels office in order to help secure influence and funding for the council's priority issues and projects.

As part of this positive marketing message, the county council worked with local businesses to help them promote their products at the official launch.

"I suppose some might think that taking beer to Brussels is a bit like coals to Newcastle.

However this was a chance to bring a taste of Oxfordshire to a pan-European audience which couldn't be missed."