Campaigners walked part of Oxford’s Green Belt in a call to protect it from development.

About 100 people, led by former ITV newsreader Wesley Smith pictured centre, walked from Shotover Hill to Horspath Village today before a rally in the village’s hall.

Oxfordshire Campaign to Protect Rural England organised the walk as part of its Hands off Oxford’s Green Belt campaign.

It also marked the second anniversary of the creation of the Oxford Green Belt Way, a 50-mile circular walk.

Mr Smith said: “You have to acknowledge housing is an issue we need to think seriously about, but we do live in a lovely part of the world. It is a case of striking the right balance and I was keen to hear the arguments on both sides and take a stroll in the lovely countryside.”

Green Belt plans the CPRE oppose include the proposed eco-town at Weston Otmoor and plans for 4,000 homes south of Grenoble Road.