Villagers opposed to the testing of genetically modified crops near their homes, have set up a pressure group demanding an end to the trials.

Householders in the south Oxfordshire villages of Hinton Waldrist and Longworth are calling for crops of GM maize and oilseed rape planted at Glebe Farm - between the two communities - to be destroyed.

The test crops of GM maize and oilseed rape have been sown as part of Government-backed trials to examine their impact on the environment.

Farmer Christopher Lewis insists the trials are scientifically important and could eventually help eliminate world hunger. He vowed to continue with the trials, arguing they had been carefully conducted.

The Hinton and Longworth Against the GM Trials group has dismissed the claims, and is planning a demonstration at the farm next month.

Campaigner Chris Chilvers, from Martens Lake, Longworth, said: "There was enormous disquiet regarding the decision of Mr Lewis to participate in the GM crop trials. Many people were angry about his decision and his failure to consult local people.

"Given that neither the Government nor Mr Lewis have displayed any respect for our democratic rights, even though taxpayers' money is funding these trials, Hinton Waldrist and Longworth residents have decided to form an action group to campaign for the trials to be abandoned before damage is done to the local environment."

More than 80 villagers were at a meeting earlier this month to discuss the trials and a second meeting will take place tonight (May 17) at Longworth Village Hall.