OXFORD has been described as a "city of opportunity" by scores of Polish immigrants living in the area.

Forget the stereotypical image of Polish plumbers and builders, many young and knowledge-hungry Poles have found the UK an appealing and profitable place to come since their country joined the European Union in 2004. And they are loving Oxford.

Just like Polish soldiers and airmen who were stationed here during World War Two or demobbed after the war, they are choosing to settle down.

This week Oxford Lord Mayor John Tanner hosted a Town Hall reception in recognition of the part played by Poles in the community.

And some 200 turned up.

One waitress said that while she earns £6 an hour here, the equivalent wage in Poland was £1.50, which is hardly enough to cover the cost of accommodation.

And their positive experiences are encouraging more and more to come over.

Adam Jozwowicz, president of Oxford University Polish Society, said: "The first and obvious factor is the income gap - right now the average gross salary in Poland is about £7,000 a year.

"In England it is definitely above £20,000 a year and I strongly believe that an average person in the UK can afford more than an average person in Poland and a lot of people decided to work and live in England to support their families back in Poland.

"The majority of the new immigrants are relatively young people who hope to save some money before making serious life decisions and they find a year or so in the UK very rewarding.

"When Poland joined the EU we had a level of unemployment at 18 per cent and at that time the UK and Ireland were the only countries who fully opened their labour markets to the new EU members - and it was an obvious choice.

"England proved to provide a very hospitable environment for the newcomers and a lot of people managed to find jobs within days and their positive feedback attracted even more Poles."

Poles are the largest group of Eastern European migrants in Oxford.

Mr Tanner said: "I was thrilled to hold this reception for Oxford's Polish community.

"I wanted to welcome the Poles and thank them for the contribution they are making to the life of our city.

"Oxford is a tolerant place and we have always welcomed newcomers from around the globe."