DESPITE fears it would be axed this year, the delayed Barton Bash brought hundreds out on a sunny day in November on Saturday.

The estate’s annual fun day did not take place as usual in July after organisers called it off because they were overrun with paperwork.

Yet organisers the Barton Community Association pledged to get round the red tape and welcomed about 1,000 people to the event at Barton Neighbourhood Centre in Underhill Circus.

Secretary Sue Holden said: “It is like a twist of fate as it has worked out possibly even better. We’ve got a lovely sunny day in November which we might not have got in summer.”

She said this year the event had something for everyone as the annual therapy day was held at the same time.

Activities on offer included face painting, a bouncy castle, dance and martial arts displays, raffles and food.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith said: “It is a great day for Barton. They took a bit of a gamble moving the bash from summer to the autumn but they got a nice day for it and it is a terrific turnout.

“The variety of stalls and activities here are a real tribute to the strength of the community spirit in Barton.”

Mum-of-four Ann-Marie Armstrong, 35, from the Northway estate, said: “It is good to have an event where the whole community can come together.

“It’s great to see the good side of the estate.”

Mother of six-year-old twins Eveline Mendy, 28, of Stowford Road, Barton, said: “I normally come every year.

“I would have been disappointed if it had not happened. But at least the kids get to know where they live and their neighbourhood.”

Mum-of-three Ardrena Sohraeian, 28, of Sermon Close, Risinghurst, added: “I’m glad it’s back on. It is nice to enjoy the community.”

Van Coulter, an Oxford City Council member for Barton and Sandhills, said: “It’s good to have a some community cohesion and to get people out and interacting together.”

On display at the newly refurbished centre was an exhibition of photographs of 16 well-known Barton residents.

Youngsters also paid £1 to push a cream pie into Sgt Jim Holmes’ face.

Sgt Holmes, who is leaving the neighbourhood after two-and-a-half-years, said he would miss the estate.

He said: “This sort of event brings us closer to the kids in the community who are the future of the place.”