An Oxford estate is opening its doors to less fortunate people this Christmas.

Volunteers from Blackbird Leys are organising the People's Christmas Day Dinner for a second year.

The dinner provides a special place for people on low incomes, the socially excluded, and the lonely and recently bereaved to enjoy Christmas Day.

About 70 people are expected to attend the all-day event at Blackbird Leys Community Centre.

Visitors will enjoy a three-course meal and evening buffet, while children will be kept entertained with a series of activities - including a guess the celebrity in the Santa outfit competition and Twister.

A team of seven volunteers from the estate has kept ticket prices low - £1 per adult, 50p per child and £2 per family - so everyone has the chance to take part.

Volunteer Sasha East, 34, from Allin Close, said: "We had one last year and it was really successful - there was the Farepak collapse which was big news in the community.

"This year, the event is for those people who cannot afford to have very much for Christmas and people who do not have much family.

"Quite a lot of people feel lonely with just a TV for company at Christmas, but it does not need to be like that."

Mum-of-two Sharon Highton, 31, from Kingfisher Green, Greater Leys, who is also volunteering at the event, said: "Christmas is not about spending lots of money and getting yourself into debt."

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Leys Linx Centre, in Blackbird Leys Road.

Organisers would also like to hear from volunteers prepared to help at the event, or who could make a donation. Call Lex Francis on 07789 656044.