Plans to expand Tesco's supermarket on the edge of Abingdon were thrown out by councillors at a White Horse District Council planning committee meeting tonight.

Councillors voted against plans from the supermarket giant to enlarge the store and to sell more non-food products - council officers had recommended the plans be approved.

Ahead of the meeting, traders from the town wore ghost outfits to lobby councillors - the chamber of commerce warning Abingdon would become a 'ghost town' if Tesco got the go-ahead.

During the meeting, 11 councillors voted against the store's plans, three voted in favour and one abstained.

Traders said a Tesco on the edge of town with free parking and selling more non-food products posed a serious danger to the future of small independent business in the town centre.

After the meeting, chamber president Jill Carver said: "It was the best decision for traders in Abingdon."

The owners of the Bury Street shopping precinct, which plan a £1.7m refurbishment, supported the chamber's objections.

Tesco said customers support its plans for a better and more convenient store.

It is expected to appeal.