Blackbird Leys is fitter, happier and cleaner after a magnificent 50 community events were organised this year to celebrate the estate's golden jubilee in style.

Everyone from boxers to street wardens and librarians to pensioners got involved in the celebrations, which have seen thousands of people learn, dance and stitch - all in the name of old-fashioned community spirit.

Paul Isaacs, manager of the Blackbird Leys Community Centre, in Blackbird Leys Road, said: "It has been absolutely brilliant.

"The really good thing is that a lot of people who may have not been involved in activities before have been motivated by the wide range of events.

"The whole idea of having 50 events was to inspire people and give them opportunities and it has been really gratifying so many people got involved.

"We wanted the whole community to come together - and we have achieved that."

The last of the events took place on Christmas Day, where 70 people on low incomes and those who would normally be lonely during the festive season were invited to share the day at the community centre.

On Saturday, December 22, a revival of the Blackbird Leys Community Association's Qualidaycorr - a quarterly celebration - saw around 70 senior citizens treated to a traditional slap-up Christmas dinner.

Pensioners have also had the chance to exercise at a tea dance and at the newly-formed Prime Time health clubs.

Children have not missed out either - playgroups including the Dovecote Nursery, Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground and Cuddesdon Corner have all laid on special events.

Adults have been encouraged to take up courses at the Leys Linx Centre and have also helped create a colourful mosaic, which proudly sits on the side of the community centre.

The history of the estate has been documented, with photo exhibitions and plans for an on-line library of community pictures and stories.

The estate's street wardens helped to smarten it up by organising a clean-up of the Spindleberry Brook.

And thousands of people enjoyed all the fun of the Leys Fair at a huge carnival-style event in September.

Father David Hartley, of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, in Sawpit Road, said: "Those people that have lived on the estate for a long time feel a great sense of loyalty and pride in their community.

"This has been an opportunity to celebrate the fact Blackbird Leys exists - and that people enjoy living here."