Children and the elderly enjoyed Oxford's largest 'family Christmas' on the big day, thanks to a group of volunteers on a city housing estate.

About 70 people took part in a festive six-hour lunch at The Glow Hall in Blackbird Leys Community Centre, organised by the People's People - a group of youth and community workers.

Volunteers cooked up a mountain of turkeys and two joints of beef with all the trimmings for the traditional seasonal three-course meal, which also included a choice of starters and puddings.

People's People treasurer, Lex Francis, said: "We're a lifeline for a lot of people who wouldn't otherwise be able to have a proper Christmas.

"The atmosphere was absolutely amazing.

"Kids enjoyed themselves dancing and watching DVDs, and adults chatted, played chess and had a great time.

"Everyone got on with each other.

"It was just like a family Christmas, only larger."

The Christmas Day festivities were open to anyone, but the organisers especially wanted to provide a fun time for the elderly, the homeless, people who would normally spend the day alone, and families on low incomes - as well as those who were affected by the Farepak collapse last Christmas.

Tickets cost £2 for families, £1 for adults and 50p for children.

But most of the funding for the event came from community groups and businesses, including Blackbird Leys Credit Union, Holy Family Church, Leys News, Learning Communities, BBC Radio Oxford, Delteys Supermarket and Tesco.

Blackbird Leys Parish Council, Oxford Citizens Housing Association and Oxford City Council also helped fund the event, donating £1,300.

Ms Francis said: "It was fantastic and it was still going on in the evening.

"But it couldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the donations and support from local groups and businesses. It's because of them that the event was made possible.

"Also, all 15 volunteers worked really hard round the clock to ensure everyone had a great time."

As well as the lavish lunch, the organisers provided an evening buffet, a live band and a DJ.

Everyone, including pensioners from Windale House residential home and families from across Oxford and Abingdon, took home a present donated by the British Red Cross.

Others won hampers of food and drink during a free prize draw.

Ms Francis said: "We had more people this year than last year, and a lot of people started asking about the meal before we'd even announced we were doing it.

"Now people are already planning to come back next year."