WALLINGFORD mayor Bernard Stone has thanked actor John Nettles for bringing Midsomer Murders fans to the town.

Mr Nettles, 67, who has played DCI Tom Barnaby for the past 14 years, appeared in his final episode last Wednesday.

“It has been a joy to be involved in such a long-running series, with so many great actors and storylines,” he told Total TV Guide.

“I wanted an ending that would be heroic, that would result in Barnaby having a state funeral in Westminster Abbey and becoming a national hero. But in the end I agreed he would just fade away, as coppers do.”

South Oxfordshire District Council has set up a Midsomer Murders website to encourage tourists to visit locations in the Wallingford area that feature in the series.

The town’s George Hotel also runs Midsomer Murders trails.

Mr Stone said: “Over the years, we have always enjoyed seeing John Nettles and the Midsomer Murders film crew when they visit.

“The series has certainly helped to bring people to Wallingford and the episodes are then shown around the world, which obviously helps to promote the town as a destination. I’m pleased that the series is continuing after John Nettles leaves and we look forward to seeing the actors and the film crew when they next visit.”

Following John Nettles’ departure, the Inspector Barnaby role is being taken by Neil Dudgeon, who plays DCI Barnaby’s cousin John.

Two new trails have been added to the SODC’s Visit Midsomer website, which was launched last November.

They provide fans of the series with a guided tour of the Midsomer area, including photo opportunities.

The Southern Trail takes in Wallingford Corn Exchange and Rotherfield Peppard Primary School, respectively better known to millions as Causton Playhouse and Badgers Primary School.

The Northern Trail includes a visit to Dorchester’s Abbey Museum, featured as Midsomer Newton Museum, and Watlington Library, which becomes Causton Library.

Bill Service, the council’s cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: “The new trails will help to draw attention to South Oxfordshire and encourage more visitors, and also encourage those living nearby to get out and explore the area a bit more as well.”