A monthly farmers' market is boosting business in an Oxford shopping area, according to traders.

Headington Farmers' Market, which has been running for the past six months on the last Friday of every month in Kennett Road, has been credited with drawing in shoppers - to the benefit of local stores.

Annie Sloan, who runs the Annie Sloan interior design shop, in London Road, said she had noticed an increase in trade in Headington on market days.

She said: "There are a lot more people around and there is a lovely buzz in the area.

"I get many more people coming into the shop who say they came to Headington to go to the market and thought they would pop in here.

"It's still early days for the market - but if it is like this now, then it can only get better and that can only be good for business."

Stacey Thomas, who works in the Pen to Paper stationary shop, in London Road, said the market drew people to the area because it offered something different.

She said: "People come to Headington especially for the market, so they can get fresh meat and fruit and veg.

"We get quite a lot of people in here because they have been to the market. It definitely brings new people into the area."

Lucy Allen, one of the owners of Frog Orange, in Windmill Road, said: "Farmers' markets are great, I'm sure that people do go out of their way to go to them."

People visiting the market agreed it was a big draw and said it encouraged them to shop in Headington.

Roger Parson, 63, of Green Road, Kidlington, said: "When I read about the farmers market in the Oxford Mail, I thought it would be nice to pop along and have a look - and, while I'm here, I will have a look around."

Andrea Cox, 36, of James Street, East Oxford, said: "I love the farmers' market here. I always try to get to it when it's on.

"I never normally come to Headington, but coming to the market brings me here and I will have a look about as I have paid for the car park."

Charles Young, who organises the farmers' market, said he was pleased to hear it was having a positive effect on the area.

He added: "It's not a magic bullet but it's definitely a step in the right direction."