CHIPPING Norton Town Council has agreed to stump up £2,000 to restore an important oil painting.

Members made the decision to restore the painting of Thomas Mace, which hangs in the lower town hall, at a recent meeting.

Deputy Mayor Chris Butterworth said: "It's a lot of money but it's one of the most important paintings we have and it needs a lot of restoration."

The Picture Conservation and Restoration Studies from Oxford is carrying out the work and if successful, a further painting of Matilda Brassey may also be restored.