The first year of a CCTV scheme has been hailed a success, with 832 incidents captured on film.

Evidence from the 24 cameras, monitored round the clock every day of the year, has so far allowed police in Witney to make 171 arrests.

The network has also helped controllers to help lost children and elderly people collapsing and needing medical attention.

CCTV has filmed 102 incidents of anti-social behaviour, 58 of assault, 85 of drunkenness and 35 traffic offences. Other incidents recorded include theft, burglary, graffiti, arson, carrying offensive weapons and drugs misuse.

The first anniversary of the system, set up with a £314,000 grant from the Government's Home Office, has been heralded by local councillors, businesses and police.

Pc Reg Nicolson, the town's beat officer, said: "It has certainly made my job easier. It's really improved communications between local people and the police.

"There is now evidence of arrests and convictions that have relied on the assistance of the CCTV cameras.

"The images give the courts a clear picture of a defendant's action and this enables them to give appropriate sentences."

Gill Armstrong, manager of Witney's Waitrose supermarket, added: "The CCTV system has helped a great deal towards making customers and staff feel secure."

Lesley Semaine, chairman of Witney Chamber of Trade and landlady of The Royal Oak in High Street, said: "Most people are happy with CCTV being here and it makes them feel more comfortable.

"For me personally, living and working on the High Street, it has made an amazing amount of difference as it is a lot quieter at nights than it used to be."

The 24 cameras are sited in the High Street, Woolgate Centre and car park, Market Square, Langdale Court, Langel Common, Corn Street and Welch Way.

They all record in colour, function during the hours of darkness and are wired via fibre optic cables to a monitoring centre at the police station in Welch Way.

West Oxfordshire District Council, the police, town council and businesses have all contributed to the set-up and running costs.