Human rights campaigners in Oxford are targeting a city petrol station in their fight to raise awareness of oppression in Burma.

Protesters gathered outside the Total petrol station in Garsington Road, to publicise links between the French company and Burma's military regime.

Campaigners were out in action on Saturday and handed out flyers to passers-by.

Jane Alexander, a carer from Headington, said: "Total is the fourth largest oil company in the world and one of the biggest foreign investors in Burma, so it's a logical target.

"I'm horrified about the human rights abuses. We are just getting a glimpse of what's happening in Burma and it's absolutely disgusting."

Peaceful protests lead by Buddhist monks were violently crushed by Burma's military dictatorship last month.

Ms Alexander added: "I think the fact that Aung San Suu Kyi, who is the democratically elected president, actually lived and studied in Oxford means we have a very big link to Burma."

Total spokesman Jean-François Lassalle said: "We are convinced that through our presence we are helping to improve the daily lives of tens of thousands of people who benefit from our social and economic initiatives."