Bosses at software firm Gladstone are celebrating after winning the latest round in their battle against a hostile rival.

Shareholders of the company which employs 80 people at its Wallingford base, have rejected a bid by Canadian company Constellation Software to put its president, Mark Leonard, onto the board.

It follows a failed attempt by Constellation to take over the company in January.

In a statement, Gladstone said: “The Board of Gladstone hopes that the unsolicited approaches and initiatives by Constellation Software will now cease. “Shareholders have twice voiced their rejection of Constellation's moves and their support of the current board. The board expects Constellation to respect this statement by its fellow shareholders and work constructively with the company as a major shareholder.”

Gladstone started by offering entry systems to leisure centres, including the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire centres.

It has recently expanded into education, supplying smart cards and fingerprint systems to schools.