Members of the public are invited to give themselves up to the police and take a look at the results of a £305,000 cell refurbishment programme.

The four-month project was carried out to improve conditions for both staff and those detained at St Aldates police station, in Oxford.

Work included the installation of air conditioning, general refurbishment and the addition of a new fire escape, as well as roof and structural alterations.

The open day takes place on Sunday from 10am to 4pm, the day before the cells officially re-open.

It will include a tour of the suite, a chance to use the drink driving intoximeter and fingerprint machine, and meet the mounted police section.

Insp Mark Hogarth, who co-ordinated the project along with Pc Leigh Thompson, said the work was essential for staff and prisoners.

"It could be absolutely sweltering up there in the summer and was very unpleasant," he said.

"We wanted to improve conditions and are very pleased with the results. Everyone will be more comfortable now.

"It's a tough job booking in prisoners, and improving the working environment can only be a benefit to all involved.

"That said, the cells have also been steam-cleaned and the whole suite has been re-decorated."

During the work, prisoners have been taken to Abingdon or Cowley police stations.