An Oxford social club steward hailed as a hero after tackling an armed robber 16 months ago has been attacked by a gang of eight teenagers.

A reward of £1,000 is on offer for information leading to the capture of the gang who beat up 52-year-old Chris Parrott, of the Morris Motors Athletic and Social Club in Cowley, on Thursday (March 18).

It is understood Mr Parrott challenged a group of youths who were swinging on goalposts at the club's playing fields at about 5.30pm.

They repeatedly kicked his head and face, fracturing his jaw, a cheekbone and an eye socket.

Mr Parrott was in a stable condition at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington, yesterday, and was able to give a statement to police.

Club chairman Tom Doliamie said: "I had a phone call about 5.50pm to tell me there was a very strange group of people on the playing fields. As I drove in I saw Chris on the floor and his wife was screaming for an ambulance.

"I asked what had happened and she said he had been jumped and they were just kicking him in the head. He looks a right mess."

The attack is the latest in a string of incidents at the club. In 2003, secretary Nick Toma had to have 26 staples in his head after an attack.

In November 2003, Mr Parrott and his wife Marilyn were locking up when Stephen Thompson stormed in with a ball-bearing gun and demanded cash.

Mr Parrott wrestled him to the ground and his wife smashed a table over the robber's head. Mr Parrott received the Chief Constable's higher commendation while his wife received a standard commendation.

Thompson, 20, of Friar's Wharf, Oxford, was jailed for six years last December.