A rainbow flag will be flown from Oxford Town Hall this week to promote an annual gay pride festival.

Oxford City Council has agreed to let organisers of Oxford Pride fly their flag until Saturday - the day of the festival, which celebrates the city's gay community.

City councillors voted for the move at a full council meeting last Monday, following requests from organisers.

Oxford Pride is a free event which kicks off the city's annual programme of summer activities - formerly known as Fun in the Parks - which is sponsored by the Oxford Mail.

The first 'Pride' took place last year, and attracted about 2,000 people.

Festival chairman Karl Andrews said allowing the rainbow flag to fly above the town hall reflected the council's support for the festival.

Mr Andrews added: "We are very pleased to have the council on board. It shows they are recognising the gay community as an important community within Oxford.

"They have supported the event all the way through. It is fantastic."

City councillor Paul Sargent, who voted in favour of the move, said: "The council believes in an inclusive society. There were only two councillors who opposed the move and the majority of councillors were in favour."

Oxford Pride takes place on Saturday in Oxpens recreation ground from 2pm to 7pm.