YOUNG and old put on their dancing shoes for the 12th annual Barton Bash on Saturday.

The popular community event returned with a bursting line up of activities, food, drink from more than 35 stalls - along with the addition of live music for the first time.

Swindon group The Saga Louts entertained throughout the afternoon in the main hall of Barton Neighbourhood Centre with an eclectic mix of hits harking back to the golden age of rock n' roll.

Around a 1,000 fun-seekers also enjoyed all the usual activities including a bouncy castle, face painting, balloon modelling, raffle, and hog roast.

Sue Holden, who has been organising the bash with Barton Community Association since its creation, said what made the event special was its firm local roots.

She said: "After the Barton Carnival stopped there was about three or four years without anything which we thought wasn't right for a community of Barton's size.

"We started the bash with just a bouncy castle and face painting and have really responded to what the community wants- this year there was an entire bingo game upstairs for example."

She added organisers were proud of being able to put on the event entirely for free thanks to sponsorship from local businesses including Blenheim Palace, Oxford Bus Company and Oxford United.

As well as the wide array of traditional fun day activities the event is also known for attracting stalls from local action groups.

Campaigners fighting to bring a post office back to the area and representatives from Barton Park were among this year's attendees.

Ms Holden said: "It's so fixed in the community now that people know its a good place to get residents' feedback.We are careful that side of things doesn't overwhelm the fun activities though."

No date is set yet for next year's bash, with the month often changing, but organisers will start planning as early as January.