A scheme to boost the numbers of otters in Witney has been hailed a success.

Conservationists are delighted that sightings of the endangered species are on the rise.

The otter's return to the River Windrush through Witney is the result of joint effort between Witney Town Council and the local wildlife trust.

No other town in the county has seen the same success.

Henry Westbury, the council's technical officer, is excited about the return of the otter. He said: "We are very fortunate, but we prepared for it.

"I myself have not seen them, but I have received trustworthy reports of sightings.

"This is marvellous news that the animal is making a comeback."

The scheme started seven years ago when the council, in co-operation with the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, created a series of otter holts around the area of the Witney Lake at the town's countryside park.

A rough, wooded area of the River Windrush as it passed through the town next to Witan Way was also carefully preserved.

The idea was to create a corridor through the town, encouraging otters to come downstream from Minster Lovell and onwards towards the River Thames.

Mr Westbury added: "The holts are resting places for them, like stage coaching inns, and we know they have been used particularly during the winter when the river and lake are joined by flooding."

A determined campaign has seen the otter population grow in many rural areas of the country.

A recent survey, carried out by the Water for Wildlife project nationwide, confirms that the animal is now back on urban waterways.

Among the contributing factors for this are improvements in water quality, increases in available food and greater care over waterside developments in towns and cities.