One of the busiest thoroughfares in Oxford -- Frideswide Square -- has received its popular new name.

Bob Price with pupils from Frideswide Middle School. Pupil Billy Young holds the new sign aloft

The headteacher, pupils and governors of Frideswide Middle School joined Oxford city councillors yesterday (December 19) to celebrate the occasion in the widened part of Park End Street, leading to the railway station and overlooked by the new Said Business School.

Last month, the city council asked local people to vote on a name for the area. Frideswide Square was the favourite in a poll which attracted more than 1,300 votes.

Bob Price, the chairman of the city's central, south and west area committee, said: "When Frideswide Square was declared the winner, I knew pupils and staff of Frideswide Middle School would be pleased, and I am delighted that they could join us for the official launch."

Headteacher Anne Freeney said: "Frideswide Middle School closes in August 2003 and it is therefore particularly fitting that the name of this very successful school lives on with the square."