The group behind Oxford's bid to become a European Capital of Culture have rounded off their campaign by highlighting efforts to include people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Today, members of the Oxford Inspires team are in London as Government officials make their final assessment of Oxford's bid.

The social exclusion strategy was launched at the BMW car plant in Cowley, yesterday.

The chairman of Oxford Inspires, Paul Langford, said: "There is a perception Oxford is a very spoilt place, but there are severe pockets of exclusion and deprivation."

The strategy is to target asylum seekers, carers, ethnic minorities, the poor and elderly. Schemes include running carnival clubs in schools, and targeting Asian children and asylum seekers.