The newly-formed Oxford Muslim Community Association is staging its first event -- a spring social -- on April 3.

OMCA has been established to organise activities and services for Muslims and non-Muslims in Oxford, especially young people, women, families and new members of the faith.

The social event, with free food, activities and entertainment, runs from 2pm to 7pm at Oxford Community School, in Glanville Road, east Oxford.

One of the group founders Dr Raghib Ali said the event was the first of many aimed at bringing together the Muslim community, aiding its health and wellbeing and improving links with non-Muslims.

"Our aims include providing educational and sporting activities for our youth and increasing opportunities for them to achieve their maximum potential both in education and employment," he said. "We want to help our young people become responsible, independent and law-abiding citizens and stay away from a life of crime, drugs and dependency.

"We also want to provide educational and Islamic services for the whole community with special provision for new Muslims and also address non-Muslims' misconceptions and concerns about Islam."

Tickets for the social are £5 per family or £3 per person, and are available by calling 01865 424532, 07779 635080 or 01235 201154, or e-mail younis@europe.com