A Christian mission is to be set up to reach out to people on Oxford housing estates.

Oxford City Mission have already begun 'prayer walks' in the areas they are planning to work in - Barton, Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill, Cutteslowe, Dean Court, Northway and Wood Farm.

The urban mission will be an interchurch organisation and eventually workers will be employed to work at each estate.

Kevin Barber, of the mission, said: "The prayer walks started on January 6, praying for one hour starting at 11am and finishing at noon."

There are City Missions across the world and the first one was founded in Glasgow in 1826 by David Nasmith.

It was the first inter- denominational society which aimed to take the gospel to everyone, but especially the poor.

Its work included evangelism, literature distribution, medical care, basic education, health care, advocacy at court and prison visits.

Mr Barber said: "The sort of things that could develop are work with school children, after school clubs, breakfast clubs and visiting old people in their homes.

"In other city missions, when there is a church in the area, the worker will be paid by the city mission, but will collect literature from the local church to distribute."

Postman Mark Thomas is also involved in setting up the mission.

He said: "We've looked at crime statistics from Thames Valley Police and seen the high level of crime, the levels of burglary, theft, drugs and so on, and what we want to do is go into the estate and offer a sense of hope.

"They don't have to be tarnished with the reputations that have built up over the years because of drugs, crime and stabbings.

"We want to encourage the youth in their education and to choose a different path.

"We are looking at international groups that have done work with youth groups and been successful.

"We are looking at American ministries and how they are doing urban mission and how we can transfer them to places like Barton and Blackbird Leys.

"It is almost like bringing a renaissance to the housing estates."

Oxford City Mission will be officially launched with an event at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre on September 15.

Everyone is welcome to join the prayer walks, which take place each Saturday and rotate around the estates.

A prayer meeting is also held at West Oxford Community Centre, Botley Road, in the middle of every month.

For more information, call Mr Barber on 01865 766484 or 07914 183386.