A club for children who are rejected by others is proving a great success.

It is so popular that dozens of youngsters are being brought into the city centre once a month from Headington, Marston, Jericho and Blackbird Leys because they want to join in.

Kidz Klub was set up by the Oxfordshire Community Church (OCC) and its popularity has grown by word of mouth.

Based on a similar scheme in Toxteth, Liverpool, it aims to support youngsters who cannot get into their local football or youth clubs because of behavioural problems.

OCC realised there were many such children, particularly in the Leys area of Oxford and decided to help. An alternative club was set up to introduce children to Christianity and provide a place where they were accepted.

Now, two 50-seater buses are packed when they pick up youngsters from Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys and Marston Road, Oxford, once a month to take them to the ABC cinema in George Street.

Organiser Mike Madden said: "It is not so much a Sunday club, more a Saturday morning live and kicking affair.

"We found a large number of young people on the Leys estates enjoyed football but were unable to join local teams because they were considered not good enough or had behavioural problems, leading them to vandalism and destructive behaviour.

"We wanted to encourage a sense of unity and belonging in them and focus on their positive qualities. The club focuses on praising each child's ability."

Mr Madden said the club aimed to introduce God to youngsters as well as improve their self-esteem.

He said: "It aims to let the kids know how important their lives are."

Various activities are held at the club, including team games, singing and custard pie fights. Kidz Klub is to meet more often in Blackbird Leys and Marston but details have not been finalised. To find out more, call 01865 438453