A pub in Woodstock has become the first in the town to ban smoking.

The Queen's Own, in Oxford Street, which was closed for three months for refurbishment, reopened this month with a new non-smoking policy.

New landlord Rick Brownsill, who previously ran the Black Prince, in Old Woodstock, said the decision to ban the habit had been a bold move, but was already paying off with new customers attracted to the smoke-free venue.

"Because it's a small pub, to have smoking means ventilation is difficult," he said.

"We took the option to make it a nicer environment by making it smoke-free."

The reopening of the Queen's Own -- known to locals as 'The Tu'penny Tube' -- has been welcomed by the North Oxfordshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

Camra spokesman Geoff Clifford said: "It used to be a truly great local, and it now has every chance of becoming a favoured meeting place in the historic town of Woodstock.

"We know Rick, the licensee, and have great faith in his ability to serve good real ale and provide our first truly non-smoking pub."

In November, the Government announced plans to ban smoking in all restaurants and most pubs within four years.

The decision was made following extensive public consultation, which revealed 68 per cent of people nationally supported a ban on smoking in public places, and calls for action to improve health from doctors.