A year-long programme of events is being planned to help Banbury celebrate the 400th anniversary of its town charter.

The original charter document, signed by King James I on June 28, 1608, is on display in Banbury Museum and will stay there until December.

The charter meant that Banbury became a mayoral town and was able to govern itself by means of a council.

Amongst other things, the charter gave the town the right to have a jail, the power to punish drunkards, and the right to have a gallows and carry out hangings.

Current mayor, councillor Kieron Mallon, will lead the celebrations until his term of office ends in May.

Mr Mallon said: "King James planted many mulberry trees to feed silkworms in a bid to establish an English silk industry.

"In Banbury recently, we planted some mulberry trees in People's Park as a lasting commemoration of the 400th anniversary."

Banbury Town Council's website will soon have a dedicated community page listing all the non-commercial anniversary events organised throughout the year, and a diary of events is available from the town hall.

Banbury's history goes back to Anglo-Saxon times. An earlier charter, from Queen Mary in 1554, had officially established Banbury as a town. But the King James charter devolved further power from the crown to the town, for the better government of the borough'.