A BUILDING at the core of an Oxford community was abuzz with life as it staged a well-established event.

Families enjoyed a host of activities and performances at the Littlemore Community Fun Day on Saturday, which is held annually at Littlemore Community Centre to bring residents and all the venue's users together.

The afternoon was organised by Littlemore Community Association, which manages the centre in Giles Road.

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds attended with her family, delivering the opening speech inside the hall.

She said: "The community association has been working on this for months and it's now a really firm event in the community calendar.

"I want to pay tribute to everybody who uses this amazing centre."

The event opened with a performance from Littlemore Playgroup, which is based at the community centre, with staff and children singing a series of nursery rhymes.

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Dawn Roberts, who manages the playgroup, said it has been running for 52 years.

She said: "Without the support of the community centre, we would struggle.

"I think playgroups are even more important now, as a lot of Sure Start [children's] centres and family centres have closed down. I think that was a great loss."

Ann Robinson, who chairs the playgroup committee, agreed that playgroups now play a 'vital' role in supporting children in their early years.

Asked why the playgroup takes part in the Fun Day every year, she added: "It's part of our job to be a part of the community and join in - we have been here so long, we are part of it and still want to be involved.

"We certainly value the centre and all the help and encouragement we have got."

Ms Dodds said it is 'incredible' that the playgroup has been going for more than 50 years.

The politician took part in several activities open to the public at the free event, including a yoga session and plate spinning with a magician.

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Lord Mayor of Oxford Craig Simmons, who also attended, said: "Community centres are really valuable - they are more than just bricks and mortar, it's about the community and the community association.

"That's what makes or breaks a community centre."

Littlemore Community Association was set up in 1956 and was pivotal in the opening of Giles Road Community Centre in 1963.

Councillor Dorian Hancock, secretary of the association, thanked volunteers who gave their time to make the event a success.

Anne Mogridge, chair of the community association, added: "We have a real variety of different groups that meet here, from the playgroup to Age UK.

"We are in a deprived area and want to give something back to the kids and families and keep prices down as low as we can."

Strawberry Fayre Majorettes, Oxford Youth Dance and Messy Jam all staged performances at the Community Day, while families were also able to enjoy a bouncy castle, face painting, a lucky dip, tombola and creative activities.

There was also music by DJ Gary Smith and entertainment from the Bezerkaz Circus show.