THE British summer arrived just in time to shine on thousands of people who helped raise thousands of pounds for Oxford Children’s Hospital.

The Oxford Ambition Project, formerly Oxford Charity Fun Days, held its fourth annual fundraiser on Sunday at St Gregory’s School in East Oxford.

And the diverse community showed solidarity by flocking there in their thousands.

Chairman of Oxford Ambition Project Dr Amar Latif said: “It was absolutely brilliant.

“We were very lucky with the weather. I think the British summer finally arrived.

“There was a good mix of different communities celebrating the diversity of East Oxford.”

Speaking about the recent sentencing of the seven men in the Bullfinch child sex gang from East Oxford he said: “Given the bad news we have had recently it is excellent seeing everyone all come together and be strong and say ‘We’re a community together and we are strong together’ and work to overcome these problems.

“It is so pleasing to see quite this mix, I don’t know where else you would get that in Oxford.”

Visitors became gladiators for the day, joined a six-aside football tournament with 20 teams and rode on ponies.

There was also a barbecue, international food court and a “guess the bear’s name” contest Local police also held a stall, alongside stalls from Cancer Research UK and other charities.

East Oxford councillor Saj Malik gave Oxford Ambition £4,500 for the day from his Big Society Fund.

Dr Latif added: “We are very thankful to Saj Malik for giving us the money. We were humbled by this generosity and see it as a real recognition of all that we are trying to do.”

In the past four years, the annual fun days have raised £25,000 for local charities.

This year, all the proceeds will go to the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Dr Latif said he was hoping that he had raised £10,000.

He said: “If we are able to raise £10,000 I will be very happy.”

Dr Latif was inspired to help the Children’s Hospital when he used to work there.

He said: “I realised how many heroes we have there. I was humbled by the doctors and nurses. I made a promise to myself when I was there I would do what I could for them.”