A photographic exhibition presenting a warts-and-all picture of life on the streets of Oxford is being staged by a youth worker.

Jade Erguvanli, part of the Street Dreams youth project aiming to break down barriers between police and young people, says the photos do not present the traditional view of Oxford as the city of dreaming spires.

Many of the images, taken by Miss Erguvanli using a digital camera, are inspired by what young people have said about their lives.

The show, entitled Oxford: More Hood than Cap and Gown, contains images of council homes, homeless people, drug addicts and syringes.

Miss Erguvanli said friends who did not live in Oxford had been surprised by her pictures.

Some will be captioned with comments by Oxford's young people about what it is like to live in the city.

Miss Erguvanli said: "There are different sides to Oxford. The way we work with Street Dreams is we say 'Let's not cover things up'. The more things come into the open, the more people are able to do something about issues."

Street Dreams has worked with young people in east Oxford, Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill and Barton.

It brings together young adults, aged 16 to 25, and police for frank discussions designed to improve understanding.

The exhibition, which is backed by the Arts Council, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council, takes place at the St Aldate's Room, Oxford Town Hall, on Wednesday, March 10, between 6pm and 9pm.

It will also be shown from March 18 to 20 at the Troubadour Gallery in Old Brompton Road, London.