Health watchdogs are offering people of all ages the chance to have a free ‘tune-up’ on an Oxford estate at the weekend.

Oxford Healthy Living Partnership is organising the event at Barton Neighbourhood Centre, in Underhill Circus, on Saturday.

The partnership represents 23 organisations, such as Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust and Age Concern.

Project co-ordinator Zoe Millington promised there would be plenty of entertainment and information on offer, including karate demonstrations, Tai Chi and Wii Fit.

There will also be advice on falls prevention, dental care and how to give up smoking, and the chance to get bicycles security postcoded against theft. The event runs from 11am to 3pm.

Ms Millington said: “It’s called ‘New Year Tune-Up’ and there will be something for everyone.

“We won’t be bullying people to be healthy – it will be fun.

“I think a lot of people start the new year thinking about the changes they might want to make to their lives over the year ahead and to see how their health and fitness is after the Christmas season.

“Our event is a chance to try out new things and work out how to make 2009 less stressful.”

She said if the event proved successful, the healthy living partnership hoped to hold similar activities in other parts of the city in future Sue Holden, secretary of Barton Community Association, said Eatwells café at the neighbourhood centre would be offering free food and drink throughout the day.

She said: “It’s going to be a big event and we will be offering free soup and sandwiches.

“Anybody can come along on the day.

“There will be specific things aimed at the elderly, but we want to encourage everybody to come along.

“I think it’s fantastic, especially after Christmas – it’s got a serious side, but it will also be a fun event.”

tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk