Community action may be the way to stop the closures of post offices and shops in vaillages.

And to get the message across Oxfordshire Rural Community Council is calling in the experts to help.

At a meeting in Thame on September 9 the future of the shops - and how closure can be prevented - will be discussed.

People who have succeeded in saving their shops - like those in Appleton and Ickford - will be at the meeting to give advice.

Anyone interested can call Jane Gilbert at ORCC HQ at Jericho Farm, Worton, Witney or on 01865 883488.