Art is taking off on an Oxford estate where children are busy thinking up ideas for a new mural to adorn their youth centre's walls.

Members of the art group at Blackbird Leys youth centre look up at one of their creations, a copper chandelier made from recycled materials

Blackbird Leys Youth Centre managers have hailed a new art project a success after the children's imaginations were allowed free reign to create a series of multi-media pieces of artwork.

Workshops have proved so succesful that the centre's managers hope plans to create murals outside the youth centre building, in Blackbird Leys Road, will prove a hit with residents.

The children, aged from nine to 19, have created colourful self-portraits and sculptures, some of which now adorn the centre's walls.

Youth worker Katy Hamilton said long-term plans were in place to create a mural for the centre's exterior wall.

The children may also be allowed to create more murals for public buildings across the rest of the estate.

Art project organisers have been raising money to buy the paint and equipment needed to create the murals.

Ms Hamilton said: "We had an exhibition and a sale of some of the children's work.

"We raised £260 that will go back into the art group to buy materials for future projects. It's proving popular."

She added: "An adult art project is being set up and we hope to work with them to create the murals. We are already working with local children and artists."

The youth centre art group meets every Thursday from 6pm to 8pm. Call 01865 772886 for details.