A NEW Oxford community café is finally up and running - five years after the project was first suggested.

Eatwells, situated at Barton Neighbourhood Centre, in Underhill Circus, is bringing freshly cooked food and educational prospects to the area.

Manager Anthony Armitage said it felt strange to be open at last.

He said: "It's weird because up until now I have been so busy with all the admin and promotions - all of a sudden my job has totally changed."

Mr Armitage, formally a community drugs worker, explained the ethos behind the café, which cost £138,000.

He said: "Barton is a deprived area and people lack access to decent food - there's a very, very limited selection of fresh produce in the mini-market.

"Our main function is to provide fresh food at an affordable price.

"We are not ramming healthy eating down people's throats - we are just offering good, locally sourced food."

However, Mr Armitage has ambitions beyond simply improving the diet of local residents.

He explained: "It's also a training kitchen - we want to offer work experience to the local community.

"We want to provide accredited training as well - that's what we are working towards."

Mr Armitage is also negotiating with agencies such as the Youth Offending Service and Probation Service to offer troubled youngsters the chance of learning new skills.

Eatwells employs full-time chef Lynn Grandi and a team of volunteers.

Volunteer Denise French, 53, from Littlemore, said: "I used to live in Barton and the café is just what it needs - it's wonderful."

Colleague Sally McCarthy, 42, added: "I got a leaflet through my door about the project. I was looking for something because my children had just started school.

"I've only lived her a few months, but I think it's a really good idea."

Yesterday's first customers gave the café the thumbs-up.

Doreen Brandon, 86, of Sherwood Place, said: "It is splendid and an ideal place to meet for tea and coffee."

Friend Karla Durant, who lives in Bassett Road, added: "It is a beautiful idea. I wish them great success."

Gwynneth Cooke, 73, from Kidlington, said: "It's great - but until we have tasted the food, I can't really say!"