YOUNG hip-hop danc-ers and rappers wowed Blackbird Leys at the estate’s annual community fair.

Youngsters from KC’s School of Dance and Leys CDI Crew stole the show demonstrating incredible skills before huge crowds on Saturday.

Organisers estimated that the fair, themed around young talent on the estate, drew 4,000 visitors to Blackbird Leys Park.

Dance teacher Kelly Chandler, 34, said she had been amazed by local children’s success since founding KC’s School of Dance three years ago. Each year, 100 youngsters apply for lessons at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre.

Twelve of them perform for England, and five-strong group Furious were last year ranked the sixth best young hip-hop dance act in the world. Last October, Levon De Silva, 14, from Coriander Way, beat rivals from 22 countries to lift the electric boogie crown at the European Hip Hop Dance Championship.

On Saturday they performed for their home crowd and Miss Chandler said: “We’re extremely proud of them. It’s not that they came to dancing talented, but they’ve worked extremely hard over the last few years.”

Next week, children from the dance school go to Kalisz, Poland for the world championships and are hoping to bring back more silverware.

Young rappers from the Leys CDI Crew, who have written lyrics warning about knife crime, also drew hundreds of spectators.

Project manager Marsha Jackson said: “Days like this bring the community together, and that’s what we need.

“It is about helping young people to take control of their own lives.”

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith said: “The talent here is huge. It’s often not appreciated in other parts of Oxford, and sometimes not even appreciated here. This is about an estate standing up and being proud of itself, and it’s got a lot to be proud about.”

Older folk also played their part, running dozens of stalls in glorious sunshine to raise money for community groups.

Sheila Kelly, 68, of the Wednesday Prime Time Club for over-50s, said: “Today’s our first big event, and we’re hoping to make it a regular thing.

“It’s nice to see everyone out here together.”

And Janet Elsmore, 78, of Comfrey Road, said: “We just came out for a walk and found the fair was on. I think it’s brilliant – there’s something for everybody.”