Ladbrokes has won an appeal to open a betting shop in Kidlington - after a court heard about a gambling culture in the village.

The bookmaker has promised to open the shop in the village High Street within six-months - 100 yards away from their rivals Tote Bookmakers.

Judge Julian Hall, sitting with four magistrates at Oxford Crown Court yesterday, heard debate between Ladbrokes and its main competitor, who objected to the proposal.

The case was a rematch of a hearing in November last year when Ladbrokes' application was rejected by Witney magistrates.

Ladbrokes drafted in London-based barrister Sir Richard Beckett QC who said, contrary to claims by Tote, there was demand for a second betting shop in the village.

The court heard that since November's hearing, Tote had expanded its premises.

Gary Lofthouse, of Flatford Place, Kidlington, a regular at Tote, told the court: "There does seem to be a big gambling culture in the village."

But Ronald Godfrey, licensing and development manager for Tote Bookmakers, disagreed. He told the hearing: "We have traded in this location for nearly 30 years - and we expect to maintain our position."

Ladbrokes spokesman Antonia Sharpe said: "We are very pleased to be offering a new shop in Kidlington."