A COMMUNITY quilt stitched to celebrate 50 years of an Oxford estate has been unveiled to the public.

Eighteen months ago, the Blackbird-Leys-In-Stitches group began meeting weekly to create the tapestry, which reflects different aspects of life on the estate.

The quilt, which measures about 6ft by 8ft, features 20 different squares by different people.

Once the quilt was finished, the group struggled to find a permanent home for it, before the Sacred Heart Church in Sawpit Road stepped in to help. And on Saturday, the quilt was unveiled in the church hall by Father David Hartley.

Ms East, 36, from Allin Close, Blackbird Leys, said: “At first, we got a grant from the community centre and an expert on quilting came along to give us some advice, but after that we did everything ourselves. It’s a very colourful quilt with lots of images on it which reflect Blackbird Leys and the area we live in.

“There’s a pink heart to represent Sacred Heart Church, blackbirds, the Blackbird pub and an allotment.

“We met every Wednesday for about a year to finish the panels.”

Ms East added: “We were delighted when Father Hartley agreed that it could have a permanent home in the church hall. I think it looks really great there.

“It was a great community effort, and I think everyone who was involved should be proud of what they have achieved.”

The quilt was one of a number of projects launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the estate in 2007.