Running legend Sir Roger Bannister was on hand to help his granddaughter's Oxford playgroup celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Sir Roger, who broke the four-minute mile barrier in Oxford in 1954, opened the family summer party held by Polstead Playgroup at the Aristotle Lane recreation ground, north Oxford, on Saturday before watching the junior fun races.

Sir Roger with Chloe and InigoThe former Master of Pembroke College, who still lives in the city, was invited to perform the honours because his granddaughter Chloe, of Polstead Road, attends the group. Three of his other grandchildren are former members of the the playgroup.

Sir Roger, pictured above with Chloe and two-year-old Inigo Townsend, said: "I've got such a lot of family here I wouldn't have wanted to miss it. It has all gone extremely well."

Playgroup supervisor Joey Slessor said the event, which was also a fundraiser, had been enjoyed by all.

She said: "It's been fantastic, with the slight hiccup of a minor rainfall."

Many of the 43 children who attend the playgroup were there with their families to enjoy the jazz band, welly throwing, and face painting.

Children's book illustrator Korky Paul signed books, as well as auctioning off a t-shirt he designed for the event.

Picture: Antony Moore