Oxford has been identified as one of Britain's top ten rising stars for shopping.

Research by the Planning and Research Development Centre, part of the Bartlett School of Planning at University College, London, chose Oxford from more than 200 English and Welsh towns surveyed for their shopping facilities.

Gideon Amos, director of the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), said: "This research shows Oxford has pulled ahead of rivals such as Reading over the past 30 years.

"It now boasts top ten status for the increase in the number and variety of big-name retail businesses that have invested in the city."

Researchers looked at the number and quality of big name retail stores in each area. The presence of stores such as Argos, The Body Shop, Marks & Spencer and Waterstones was used as the indicator. The figures were com- pared with what was in the area 30 years ago. Bill McCardle, of Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "We think Oxford as a city has a lot going for it. It is nice to have an outside organisation highlight the plus points of living and working here.

"As a piece of good news we welcome it. There is still a lot to do to make it a premier shopping destination."

Research team leader Prof Sir Peter Hall said Oxford's success could be at the expense of other towns and cities.

He added: "Commercial market forces presently favour the top 20 cities, including those in the South East such as Oxford."

He said areas with fewer facilities may not improve because new ventures were likely to be more attracted to those places already identified as having a good level of retail activity.