Bessie Ledger, 90, the founder of Littlemore Community Centre, was at the heart of celebrations to mark its 40th anniversary.

Mrs Ledger was among residents who set up the association after moving to the new estate in the late 1940s -- and is still helping to organise activities.

The then small south Oxfordshire village was becoming increasingly densely populated as more housing developments emerged after the Second World War, creating a need for shops and other amenities.

Mrs Ledger was among those who rallied new residents to do something to create a sense of community in the area and, following a packed public meeting in the village hall, a campaign was launched to raise funds for a community centre.

Mrs Ledger, who had moved to Littlemore from Abingdon, said: "All this new housing was going up, but there were no facilities which make life better. There were no shops worth speaking of, no Sainsbury's, no Cowley Centre to go to and no bus services at all."

Oxford City Council leased the association land in Giles Road for a peppercorn rent for the community centre.

Forty years on, it is thriving, with Mrs Ledger still working hard helping to run an elderly people's group and creche.

On Saturday, younger members of Littlemore's community were able to find out more about the history of the centre at a party marking the 40th year. Junior handbell ringers entertained visitors and an exhibition of photos and stories was mounted to show people how the community centre has developed.

Mrs Ledger, as a special guest, unveiled a new sign for the centre, where an extension was completed earlier this year, including better kitchen facilities.

She said: "Today the community centre is well used and backed by a very solid band of volunteers who have done an enormous amount of work."