Work to double the size of Oxford's Thornhill park-and-ride car park will be completed this weekend, ready for the Christmas shopping rush.

All the promised 950 spaces will be available to the public on Monday, December 2, in good time for the run-up to Christmas.

The county council has also promised to delay introducing a 60p parking charge until the end of January. The fee will bring the car park into line with the city's four other park-and-ride car parks.

David Robertson, the council's executive member for transport, said: "It's great news that there are now 950 spaces at Thornhill.

"We are delighted to be able to allow free parking at the site over the busy festive period, with the 60p charge delayed until late January."

Although full use of the site will be available from Monday, minor work including landscaping and fencing will be completed over the following few days.

Regular users will appreciate the improved facilities, including security, landscaping and better lighting.

Later, when funds allow, it is hoped to provide a new terminal building with a waiting room, toilets, and an office for security staff.

The council has also looked into setting up new bus services to the site, and a service to the Churchill Hospital is planned for the New Year.