The summer holidays may have been a washout this year, but one last day of fun is forecast before the schools go back.

Children will be able to chase away the cabin fever with swimming, shooting and even sumo wrestling at a huge event backed by Oxford City Council.

The organiser, Joey Phillips, expects the play day to attract up to 1,000 to an Oxford estate next week.

The Oxfordshire Play Day is set to take place in and around Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre in Pegasus Road and nearby jSpindleberry Nature Park all day on Wednesday.

It is part of a national play day scheme which has seen similar events organised across the country to celebrate the right of children to play freely and safely.

This year's event is extra special, as youngsters have had to wait more than two years for it.

It was cancelled last year because of a lack of funding, and last month's floods meant the event was postponed for four weeks.

This year organisers hit another snag when the foot and mouth scare forced them to cancel a popular live animal attraction, but Mr Phillips, a city council play support officer, said there would be plenty of other activities.

Mr Phillips and his team of 10 young volunteers have been working around the clock to prepare for the show, which will run from 11am until 4pm.

He said: "It is a bit hectic, running around trying to get everyone organised.

"I know the children missed the event last year. I did get a lot of people asking me why it did not take place.

"This year I would say come down and enjoy yourself and have fun in a safe place. It is a last chance before you go back to school."

The play day is funded by the city council and all the events are free of charge.

It is aimed at children aged up to 16, but parents are also welcome.

Attractions will include karaoke, a bungee run and four bouncy castles.

Sharp-shooters will be able to play gun simulation game Laserquest, while football fans can enjoy a game of life-size Fussball, where they will take the place of one of the table-top football players. Children can take on opponents in an inflatable sumo wrestling ring.

There will also be an opportunity to play air hockey and take part in a horse-racing game where contestants rock on a plastic saddle to send a virtual horse past the finishing post.