It's party time in Barton today as the estate hosts the inaugral 'Barton Bash' for residents and anybody else in Oxford who fancies having fun.

The aim of the event, which will include live dancing and music, a penalty shootout competition and dozens of stalls, is to 'put the unity back into community'.

Organisers want to show people in other areas of the city that Barton has a thriving community with plenty to offer.

The estate is on a high following the completion of its £2.8m swimming pool and the start of work to refurbish the shopping parade at Underhill Circus.

Current road improvement works on Green Road roundabout should also make access to Barton easier and quicker.

Community leader Sue Holden, who has lived in Barton for 35 years, said: "Up until several years ago we had a carnival on the estate and everybody always looked forward to it because it was something everyone could go to.

"Also hopefully it will attract people from outside Barton, which is very important and we want to show them what we are made of."

"Barton is a lovely, lovely community and is now quite diverse, which I think is great."

There is a lot going on in Barton with a thriving football team which is celebrating its 25th anniversary season and a community newsletter which was established at the end of last year and is printed on a quarterly basis.

The pool, which was opened by the then Lord Mayor Bob Price on April 13 this year, is already proving popular and the Barton Neighbourhood Centre has been refurbished to offer adult learning classes to residents.

Barton Community development officer Maureen Robertson, the main organiser of the event, said: "Barton has not had a summer event for a number of years and I just thought it would be a nice way to bring the community back together."

At the event youngsters will be able to take part in a free drumming session, a DJ mixing workshop and drama and dance classes.

There will also be a five-a-side football tournament and youngsters will have the opportunity to get their faces painted and have henna tatoos.

Free refreshments including drinks, sandwiches and strawberries and cream will be on offer.

The event is at the Barton Neighbourhood Centre between 2pm and 5pm today and will be opened by Lord Mayor Jim Campbell to the sound of a bugle call.