TOURISM chiefs have launched a website to show where TV’s Midsomer Murders is filmed in a bid to capitalise on its success.

South Oxfordshire District Council said www.visitmidsomer.com was in response to the success of the detective series, partly filmed in the district, and which is shown in more than 200 countries.

An interactive map shows key Midsomer locations and a blog highlights news items connected with the district’s towns and villages.

Bill Service, the council’s cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: “We want to draw attention to South Oxfordshire and encourage more visitors.

“Their interest brings direct benefit to local hotels, shops and restaurants.”

Since John Nettles’ DCI Barnaby began investigating in 1997, south Oxfordshire locations have featured in the series more than 30 times.

The Market Place in Wallingford represents the fictional town of Causton, while viewers have seen Barnaby solve the murders of a woman strangled in woods near Wallingford, a man bludgeoned to death with a cricket bat in Watlington, and a Punch and Judy performer decapitated near Brightwell Baldwin.

Thame’s historic Spread Eagle Hotel also appeared as the fictional Swan pub.

Mr Service said the series had already attracted visitors.

He said: “According to the latest research for 2009, tourism contributes more than £222m to South Oxfordshire’s economy and supports over 3,700 jobs.”

Oliver Round-Turner, manager of The George Hotel, in High Street, Wallingford, welcomed the new website.

He said: “There are also Agatha Christie connections in Wallingford and the Rosemary and Thyme series was also filmed in the area.

“Lots of people watch these programmes and I hope the new council website brings more tourists to the town.”

In June 2008, fans from Sweden, France and the US visited Wallingford during the first Midsomer Murders rally.

Mr Nettles has announced his retirement from the role and at the end of the year will be replaced by Neil Dudgeon.

Any local business wishing to include a Midsomer Murders connection on the website is invited to contact tourism@southoxon.gov.uk