More than 75 people from across the globe enjoyed a swinging time in Oxford as the city hosted the world's first conference on singing and dancing legend Fred Astaire.

Adoring fans from as far afield as Australia flocked to Oriel College for a four-day celebration of the Oscar-winning entertainer's life and works.

The star's daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie, flew in from her home in Ireland for the event.

The 66-year-old and her husband Richard McKenzie were among a host of dignitaries at the conference, which included Mr Astaire's record producer Ken Barnes and a posse of biographers.

The conference, which ran from Saturday to Tuesday, took place on the anniversary of the death of the former Broadway dancer. He died aged 88 on June 22, 1987, from pneumonia.

The scholarly tribute to the showman featured more than 16 presentations on his life and history as well as performances from renowned Fred Astaire performer David Benson and pianist Jack Gibbons.

Kathleen Riley,who organised the conference said: "There's never been a scholarly conference on Fred Astaire before, so I thought it would be great hold the first in Oxford and bring scholars, writers and performers together."

Ms Riley, junior fellow in classics at Corpus Christi college, added: "I was amazed we got so many people together from all over the world.

"Ava and her husband graciously said they would attend and we were honoured and surprised when they turned up.

"I think there are few popular entertainers like him who have had such an extremely long career singing, dancing and choreographing and had such an impact on popular culture.

"We had a great reaction from everyone who attended.

"It was a scholarly event so we took a serious look at Fred Astaire's work, but it was also a lot of fun with good acts and people singing along and enjoying themselves."