A LONG-RUNNING project supporting residents young and old in Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys has been nominated for Oxford Charity of the Year.

The Leys Community Development Initiative (CDI) is on the shortlist this year for the OCVA (Oxfordshire Community & Voluntary Action) awards after being nominated by local housing associations Catalyst and Greensquare.

The CDI celebrated its 20th birthday last year and works to improve the local area by tackling social and health inequalities across a range of ages.

Its youth project is based in Blackbird Leys Community Centre while activities and events for over-65s are held in The Clockhouse, Long Ground.

A full run-down of this year's OCVA awards nominees has not yet been released but past categories have included best fundraising work, best volunteer management and an environmental award. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday, May 11 in the Town Hall.

Ines Kretzschmar, community investment coordinator at Catalyst Housing, said: "The Leys CDI is a respected local charity, which makes a positive difference to many people’s lives as well as the Blackbird Leys community

"The project’s great strength lies in being an initiative of the community to improve the local area; ‘being of the Leys for the Leys’.

"That is why Catalyst Housing Ltd joined GreenSquare Group in nominating this excellent project for an award."