A MOSAIC to mark the 50th anniversary of an Oxford estate has been unveiled to the local community that worked so hard on it.

More than 80 people turned up to the Blackbird Leys Community Centre, in Blackbird Leys Road, on Saturday for the unveiling ceremony.

The event marked the culmination of 12 weeks' hard work for members of the local community who have worked on it.

Molly Hurrell, 74, of Sawpit Road, and Irma James, 66, of Field Avenue, were the two residents chosen to unveil the new centrepiece.

Mrs Hurrell, who has lived on the estate since 1959, said: "It was lovely to be a part of the day. I was on cloud nine - I still am.

"It was a great achievement by the local community and it looks absolutely fantastic. I was also really proud that my design was chosen for the mosaic."

The design shows a hot air balloon against blue skies, with blackbirds and a red kite flying around it. A banner shows the date the estate was founded, 1957, and the date of the 50th anniversary.

The unveiling of the mosaic also marked the end of the anniversary of the estate, as it was the 50th, and final, event to be held.

Mrs Hurrrell added: "I chose this image as we often see balloons passing over the estate in the summer months and recently the red kite has been seen more and more in the area."

Mrs James said it had been a great honour to be chosen to unveil the mosaic, which she also helped to create.

She said: "It was a wonderful day and a real honour to be involved in something that will be a lasting tribute to this estate.

"I have lived in Blackbird Leys since 1969 and I know there has been a lot of bad news that has come out of the estate in that time.

"But I love living in Blackbird Leys and this project has been fantastic, in that it has brought the local community together.

"There are some really good people on this estate and it is nice to be able to focus on something pos- itive."

Jim Barlow, the Leys learning community co-ordinator for Oxfordshire County Council, was the man behind the project.

Mr Barlow said he thought the project had been a big success.

He added: "I hope the mosaic will be something that really uplifts the people living on this estate.

"We gave people a free rein with the design of the mosaic and they have done a fantastic job with it.

"It has been great to see everyone coming together to work for the local community."