Pupils living near Didcot are a step closer to having a new sports field after councillors backed the plan.

Agents for Oxfordshire Local Education Authority are currently negotiating to lease farmland opposite East Hagbourne Primary School. The school only has a limited grassed area in the school grounds for sports activities.

For months, Oxfordshire County Council agents have been negotiating a 25-year lease for enough land opposite the school to provide two six-a-side football pitches and a general sports area.

Council planners have now approved the change of use of agricultural land - next to the village cemetery fronting Main Road - to a school playing field.

The planning consent includes a new access to the land, a footpath and the relocation of an existing farm entrance.

An education authority spokesman said: "Negotiations can now continue with the landowners with the benefit of planning permission for the change of use of the land."