Views of Oxford's Dreaming Spires have been saved for future generations after the Oxford Preservation Trust bought 68 acres of Boars Hill.

The area is regarded as one of the most precious sections of Oxford's Green Belt, and the trust's purchase effectively removes any future threat to its character.

The Heritage Lottery Fund made a grant of £120,000 to allow the trust to complete the £270,000 purchase of Chilswell Fields.

The land became available after farmers at Chilswell Farm obtained permission to convert the farm and buildings for housing - and began selling land.

The rolling farmland, with spectacular views of Oxford, adjoins land already in the hands of the trust, which has built up substantial holdings in Boars Hill.

Trust secretary Debbie Dance said: "By owning land we can ensure that it is kept open, accessible and well managed."

The trust's Boar's Hill committee raised almost £20,000 towards the purchase, with contributions from the Trust for Oxfordshire Environment and other trusts.

Tessa Hilder, Heritage Lottery's regional manager for the South East, said: "Few people realise that the Lottery has the potential to help protect the countryside."