SUPERMARKET staff left behind their day jobs to become decorators – giving an estate community centre a much-needed revamp.

Twenty members of Co-op staff stepped in for a day to transform the Blackbird Leys Youth and Community Centre, with a spruce-up and a lick of paint. Helping to transform the tired 1960s Blackbird Leys Road centre into a brighter, more user-friendly space, were DW Contractors, based in Cowley, who also donated cash to buy paint and brushes.

Co-op district manager Stuart Yeandel said: “The challenge went really well and although it was hard work, everyone pulled together as a team to get the job done. We have offered to return next year.”

Paula Williams, interim officer manager at the centre, said: “I am touched by the kind-hearted, generous volunteers who turned up and worked so hard for us all. This is what good community spirit feels like, good.”

The facelift is the first stage of plans to draw in more people, after an informal questionnaire at the Leys Fair showed many had never stepped inside the building. Services include the Credit Union, a youth centre and a recording studio.