A WITNEY estate became a treasure trove of bargains on Sunday as homeowners sold items to raise funds for two new play areas.

Madley Park, which is home to 3,500 people, saw residents pour onto the streets for its annual community garage sale.

The sale was organised by Activate:MadleyPark, a residents' group aiming to raise £135,000 for the play areas.

Sunday’s sale made £300 as homeowners set up stalls outside homes and on community spaces to push the total so far to £74,000.

While this was just a drop in the ocean when compared to the target, Madley Park Residents’ Association member Kat Quigley said the community spirit on show was just as important.

She said: “It was lovely to see neighbours coming out and chatting to each other now there’s an opportunity for people to come out and help us fundraise.

“It’s been a real community activity to see how we can get the funds together.”

More than 30 homes displayed their items after paying to appear on a map used by bargain-hunters to navigate the estate.

Every stall had its own letter for an anagram competition, with the winner getting a box of cupcakes from the estate’s Truly Madley Sweetly cakery.

Residents of all ages took part, including six-year-old karate kid Noah Gargan who taught martial arts moves to raise funds.

Activate:MadleyPark has embarked on a vigorous campaign to raise the money needed for the play areas and this year’s garage sale was the largest yet.

Fundraising began a few years ago after residents identified a lack of provision for older children and teenagers.

The estate has a higher-than-average number of young people and Mrs Quigley, who has been on the residents’ association for two years, admitted this was becoming an issue for residents.

She said: “Lots of teenagers would skate around and can sometimes be a danger to themselves and others so it became apparent they need something to do.”

Activate:Madley Park’s reach extends far beyond the estate and the organisation has received grants of £30,000 and £10,000 from West Oxfordshire District Council and Witney Town Council respectively.

Another £5,000 came from Oxfordshire county councillor for Witney North and East Suzanne Bartington, who gave £5,000 of a yearly £15,000 fund given to councillors to spend in their communities.

She said: “They’ve been a really organised and professional group in their fundraising and it’s a pleasure to support them.”