Rural communities are being encouraged to follow in the footsteps of a village's "showcase" project.

West Oxfordshire District Council's cabinet praised a £426,000 scheme at Tackley Village Hall to create a focal point for the community.

One of its main features is the provision of a shop and post office, as well as a new meeting room for local organisations and a coffee bar with computer and Internet facilities.

In the past few years the village has lost two shops and its post office.

The district council cabinet voted to give £100,000 towards the cost of the project, which is now hoping to secure more capital investment from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Cabinet member Cllr Louise Chapman said: "Many of our villages are losing their shops and small post offices. This is an excellent scheme."

Colleague Cllr Verena Hunt said: "This is very much a showcase project.

"It shows to many other communities in our district what can be achieved with enthusiasm."

A project group set up by Tackley Parish Council, which has put £20,000 towards the work, has already raised more than £93,000.

The improved village hall will also have upgraded changing rooms and showers and a covered area for spectators watching games on the nearby playing field.