More than 70 residents of Stapleton Road, Headington, turned out to enjoy their own summer street party. For them, there is nowhere to match community spirit, writes Roseena Parveen.

There were smiling faces everywhere and even a mid-afternoon downpour did not stop the celebrations. Asked why they were so attached to their street, everyone had the same answer: It's simply wonderful.

Ian and Judy Leonard have extended their home at great expense, rather than move to a bigger home elsewhere to accommodate their growing family.

Ian, a computer software programmer, said: "The street really is the reason we are staying. The neighbours are great, we can walk into Oxford, the buses are good, the shops are nearby and Headington has some really good shops. Even the pub down the road is great." The summer street party at the weekend was part of a host of events organised by residents to mark the new Millennium.

Residents grew closer together several years ago when they fought and won a battle to halt city council plans to halve the number of parking bays in the street.

Gary Bassett, who helped organise the party said: "We wanted to celebrate what a fantastic community we have.

It's amazing how many people were so willing to help organise the party. Some people have lived here all their lives.

Others have just moved here. But the sense of community is there for everyone.

It's great to have so many neighbours working together as a team."

The party kicked off at 1pm with a parade led by a giant puppet created by John Hole, of Old Road, Headington. He said: "The puppet was meant to represent the death of the old Millennium. I was glad to be part of the party. It's a wonderful street."

One of the organisers, Dianna Chandler, who won the fancy hat competition with a sequined cloth cap, said: We've probably got the most friendly and popular street in Oxford. People always want to move into this street."

The Rev Jim Cocke, of All Saints Church, opened the party and judged the children's fancy dress and the adults' fancy hat competitions. Partygoers sat down to a buffet lunch and barbecue, before enjoying street games.

Residents opened their gardens and held an exhibition of the street's history. Young and old interviewed by the Oxford Mail could not say enough about their beloved street.

George Bassett, ten, moved from Kent four years ago. He said: "Back there, I only knew one person in the street. Here, everyone plays out a lot. It's a lovely street and it feels safe.

We've made lots of good friends."

Molly Stayte, 83, who has lived in Stapleton Road for 61 years, said community spirit had been alive and kicking for as long as she could remember. She said: "We had a street party after the war that was just as popular. People pull together here and look after each other."

Neil Laws, his partner Anne Maxfield and their children Michael, five, and Suzi, three, have lived in the street for seven years. Mr Laws said: "There are lots of young families with little children which is nice for us." Clare Manolopoulos, 32, was relieved to find Stapleton Road after leaving a similarly close community in Nottingham in 1995. She said: "We were very happy in our community in Nottingham and thought Oxford would be nothing like that. So we were very relieved when we moved to this street.

Furture events being planned include a picture archive of each family outside their homes.

Mrs Ann Perr, moved to the street 20 years ago after leaving her home in South Africa.

She said: "What I love about this street is that it is such a mixed community. There are elderly people, young families, and the more transient mix of students and young professionals.

"We had a street party to mark a 90th birthday once. So there's a great tradition being built up here."

Mrs Perr's husband, Mr Anthony Swift, said: "People are incredibly willing to invest in the street and its community. People willingly donate time and effort for events like this." Emily Manolopoulos, aged ten, was a joint winner in the street's fancy dress competition.

Emily Leonard, aged 11, said: "I think it's a really good street. There are lots of nice people. I have lots of friends here. We all use the street as a playground."

The party was so friendly, even the local postman, milkman and dustmen were invited to the party.

Despite the wet weather, the street remained packed for hours.