Regulars at an Oxford pub have saved a charity for disabled workers with a year of fundraising.

Drinkers at the Bullnose Morris pub in Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, have "tipped the balance" in favour of the Pathway Workshop so that it is no longer in danger of closing.

Pub regulars embarked on a series of fundraisers, including climbing Everest, fishing trips and golf days.

Fundraiser Nigel Roberts estimated they had raised about £10,000 in the last year.

Mr Roberts, 46, from Woodruff Close, Blackbird Leys, said: "When things are needed round here everyone dips into their pockets. The whole concept of the pub is it is a community pub.

"The regulars, about 20 or 30 people, are a very open and honest bunch, who will support people when it's needed "Four of us from Blackbird Leys went to Everest last March. We were there for 21 days and 21 nights in a tent and we climbed up to 6,200 metres.

"It was an unbelievable feeling to be on such a big mountain but it was very strenuous once you got above 5,000 metres because you only have 40 per cent oxygen.

"We raised about £7,000 with that, but it was also about raising the profile of Pathway.

"It has become the adopted charity of people from Blackbird Leys."

The fundraisers started an annual golf day, which attracted 100 players last year, and this week handed over another £800 from a sponsored headshave.

Mike Kyle, managing director of the Greater Leys workshop, said: "It has been essential to our continuance.

"We've moved from a point close to closure in June and July to one where we are now planning for the future. What the regulars raised has tipped the balance.

"It has been a huge turnaround and we're extremely grateful for the input from the Bullnose Morris."

The Dunnock Way charity employs 18 disabled people aged between 17 and 63, training them to turn waste wood into garden furniture and homes for pets to sell.

He said: "The workshop actually gives them a life.

"For three quarters of the people who are working here the only thing they have outside the workshop is the TV and their room."

Marie Perrincorr, assistant manager of the pub, said: "I think it's absolutely fantastic - the whole area gets involved with Pathway.

"I've seen the work the lads do and have met them and I think they deserve all of the help they can get.

"Blackbird Leys is a fantastic community - they look after everyone."