The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) has launched a crowdfunding drive to give locals the chance to own a slice in the city’s first legal gin distillery.

The distillery opened in July on the site of an old barn at the top of South Park, Headington Hill.

TOAD is now producing gin, vodka, absinthe and rye whiskey using ‘exclusive populations’ of ancient heritage grain at its Old Depot site.

The crowdfunding drive means people will be able to own shares starting in units of £10 each offered on a first-come first-served basis.

Funds raised will go towards the development of a visitor centre, bar and restaurant.

TOAD founder Tom Nicholson said: “I’m very proud to be the CEO of the first distillery in Oxford’s long and impressive history.

“Oxford is a centre of excellence and we have taken this philosophy to heart.

“We’ve designed our distillery and every part of our production process to the highest standards.”

The distillery uses rye, wheat and barley, grown exclusively on farms within a 50-mile radius of Oxford.

Chief operating officer Tagore Ramoutar said: “We wanted to find a way for the people and businesses of Oxford to be part of this brilliant, unique project.”

For more information spiritoftoad.co.uk