A GROUP set up to promote Woodstock as a tourist and shopping destination celebrated its 10th anniversary with a party.

The Wake up to Woodstock business network has more than 60 members and aims to encourage people to visit the town by promoting a partnership with the community.

More than 100 people attended the celebration, held at the Real Wood Furniture Company’s shop in Oxford Street, on Friday.

Oxfordshire County Council leader Ian Hudspeth, who represents Woodstock, and town centres consultant Iain Nicholson gave speeches and guests enjoyed drinks and canapes.

The group’s chairman Chris Baylis, who runs the furniture shop, said: “It’s about attracting more visitors to Woodstock, because not a lot was happening.

“When it started we were in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks [which affected tourism from the US] and other things conspiring against footfall in the town.

“There was no dialogue between traders and Blenheim Palace or the town council, but now we have integrated very well and we have brought together a wide-ranging community.”

The initiative was launched in 2004 by Florence Sibourd, who runs French boutique Devernois and remains a member, and Gaius Wyncoll, former general manager of the Macdonald Bear Hotel.

They believed there were not enough visitors coming into the town and set up a town website and brochure.

Since then, the group has helped to organise events, such as this month’s week-long Art in Woodstock festival, and expanded others, including the Woodstock Live music festival.

It has also increased interest in existing events, such as the Christmas lights switch-on, to bring more people into the town centre.