A COMMUNITY newspaper for Littlemore will launch this summer and free training is being offered to those who want to get involved.

Littlemore News will be produced by Oxford Community Media, the same not-for-profit organisation that produces the newsletters Leys News, Rose Hill News, Cowley News and Wood Farm News.

It will include community news and notices for residents in the village and is supported by Oxford City Council and Oxford Brookes University.

Sarah Edwards, group editor for Oxford Community Media and editor of Leys News, will lead the six-week training course, which began yesterday.

She said: “This gives people the chance to have a go at writing and taking photos and they will get to know other people. It is all about bringing people together.”

The first edition of Littlemore News will be published in June, with 3,000 copies printed initially.

Sobia Afridi, manager at Brookes Bridges, which is supporting the training, said: “In addition to providing funding for the scheme alongside Oxfordshire City Council, Brookes Bridges will be actively involved in supporting those involved following the initial course.”

The city council awarded £10,000 to Leys News to support the community newsletters across the city.

Val Churchill, the city council’s community development officer, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for residents of Littlemore to get involved in their local community and learn new skills at the same time.

“Residents are encouraged to book now to get their place on the training course.”

It will run every Tuesday from 10am-2pm at Littlemore Community Centre in Giles Road.

To find out more call 01865 252 245 or email editor@leysnews.co.uk