A combination of hard work and patience has finally paid off for villagers who have transformed a piece of waste land into a community facility.

Workmen had used Goose Green in Wolvercote as a dumping ground for waste while building the A34 western by-pass more than 50 years ago.

Now the site has now been turned into a village green and sports practice ground, managed by Wolvercote Commoners Committee, an annually elected group of villagers who manage common land.

Commoners committee chairman, David Humphrey, said: "The site was practically wrecked when the by-pass was built and years ago it was virtually impossible to plant anything."

Age Concern donated £3,000 to the venture because the charity is keen to see closer links developed between young and old people.

In addition to sporting events, it is hoped the reclaimed land will also be used to stage fetes, barbecues and shows because existing village facilities are unsuitable.

The site was officially opened earlier this month by the Deputy Lieutenant of Oxford, Peter Bridges.