Bigger may not be best when it comes to donations to charity.

A national survey ranks Abingdon far ahead of Oxford when it comes to giving money.

Of 597 cities and towns analysed by a consumer information company, Abingdon was ranked 11th for its generosity.

Six towns in Oxfordshire were surveyed, and the study of 597 locations, revealed that 69.8 per cent of people in Abingdon said they gave to two or more charities every year, compared with the national average of 58.8 per cent.

In 71st place was Wallingford followed by Banbury (88), Didcot (119), and Bicester (138). Oxford trailed in in 170th place with 62.6 per cent. Anthony Hewitt, a fundraiser for the Oxford's Children's Hospital, said people had given generously and had raised £10.9m towards a £15m target since September 2002.

He added: "This is a phenomenal amount and is a more impressive performance than in some other parts of the country where they have tried to build children's hospitals.

"I'm surprised by this survey, because people have been extremely generous."

Pat Stannard, Oxford's Lord Mayor, added: "Last year, the Lord Mayor's carol concert was attended by about 600 people in the town hall and raised over £2,000.

"There are lots of small organisations such as after-school clubs who are always raising money for charity. I don't know why Oxford has come so far down the list but I'm surprised. From what I can see, there are a lot of organisations doing excellent work for charities all year round."

The search by Claritas Acxiom's countrywide National Shopper Survey to find where most people are giving to charity was based on an analysis of more than 319,000 consumers who say they donate to two or more charities every year.

Abingdon mayor Hilary Green said: "I'm not surprised by these findings.

"When I have been involved in rattling collection tins for charities I have always found people in Abingdon most generous. This survey's findings are a tribute to the town."

The chairman of the town's branch of the British Heart Foundation, Doreen Eato, added: "We find the people of Abingdon so helpful. Last year we raised more than £1,000 from these sources and the branch sent £11,000 to our regional office."

In Wallingford, 65.2 per cent gave to two or more charities a year, in Banbury, 64.4 per cent, Didcot 63.6 per cent, and in Bicester 63.1 per cent.

The Charities Aid Foundation says that more than two thirds of the UK population give to charity, with more than half of those donating to several different causes every year.