DOROTHY Pearce proved that you’re never too old to enjoy yourself as she joined the crowds at the ninth annual Barton Bash.

The 99-year-old, who is the oldest member of the Barton Community Association, helped cut the ribbon to open the festival on Saturday.

Miss Pearce, who has lived in Meadow Brook, Barton, for 40 years, said: “It was a very jolly atmosphere with plenty of things going on. We really enjoyed it.

“It was nice to see such a lot of people about and it was a very happy occasion.”

Up to 1,000 people turned out for the festivities as Barton Neighbourhood Centre in Underhill Circus threw open its doors.

Activities included face painting, arts and crafts, apple pressing, and balloon making.

Miss Pearce, who featured in the Oxford Mail in July as a recent convert to the internet, welcomed the crowds at midday along with Oxford East MP Andrew Smith. Mr Smith said: “It all went wonderfully. It was absolutely beautiful weather and the really strong Barton community spirit came through in all sorts of ways.”

Shakira Uddin, eight, and her sister Sienna, four, made the most of henna tattoo artists and face painters.

Shakira said: “It is fun having henna.

“I chose a flower because I like it.”

Cousins Jack Palmer, four, from Barton, and Krystle Callo, four, from Abingdon, fought each other with their balloon swords before joining in the queue for face painting.

Krystle said: “We were playing Power Rangers and then we had our faces painted.

“I wanted to be a cat because I like cats.”

Audiences were treated to energetic displays by the Strawberry Fayre Majorettes and Messy Jam street dance school as well as zumba and salsa demonstrations.

The day was three months in the making by the Barton Community Association.

It cost about £3,500 and was funded by grants from Oxford City Council, Barton Oxford LLP, Soha Housing, Green Square, Barton Community Association, Sainsbury’s and Oxford Bus Company.

Organiser and secretary of the neighbourhood centre, Sue Holden, said: “The atmosphere was very festive. Everybody seemed to be in very good spirits enjoying what they were doing.”

The Bash ran from midday until 4.30pm. Next year’s event may be on a different date.