PROFESSIONAL basketball players were on hand at a free event aimed at helping young people learn new skills.

The session at Cutteslowe Multi-Use Games Area in Wren Road on Wednesday evening, run by basketball team Oxford Hoops, was part of a three-year Oxford City Council project to engage young people in sports to become more well-rounded people.

Coach Jose Hernández, of Oxford Hoops, said: “It was really good. The aim was to encourage basketball in young people.”

Mr Hernández, who played professional basketball in Spain for seven years, moved to Oxford two weeks ago.

The council project began in June and free sports events are planned in Barton, Blackbird Leys, Cutteslowe, Wood Farm and Rose Hill.

For details, visit oxford.gov.uk/communitysport