Children played in the sunshine while parents sought advice about benefits and drugs misuse at a special event in Blackbird Leys, Oxford.

About 300 people turned up for the Blackbird Leys Action Day, which was held at the leisure centre in Pegasus Road, on Saturday.

The event, organised by Oxford Safer Communities Partnership, was the first of its kind and was designed to let people know about a range of services available to them. It followed an operation by Thames Valley Police to crack down on drug dealing in the area.

Throughout the day the Windale School Choir, Blackbird Leys Choir, the Strawberry Fayre Majorettes and KC School dancers were on hand to entertain the crowds. Tae-kwando, karate and ju-jitsu displays were held along with Oxford United coaching sessions and netball taster opportunities.

Children had their hair braided and their faces painted, and were able to enjoy a jump on the bouncy castle. City councillor Rae Humberstone added: “It’s a side of Blackbird Leys that people don’t see.”

Veronica Quinn and her two-year-old daughter Frankie-Grace were among those who took part.

Mrs Quinn said: “It was very enjoyable and informative, and nice to see so many positive youngsters about. The dancing was really good and the bouncy castle was good for the little one.”

Representatives from Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team, Oxford Drug and Alcohol Team, the RSPCA and Ruskin College were on hand to dispense advice.

Street warden Malcolm Taylor said: “It was really about bringing the street wardens to the forefront of the community, letting them know we are here.”

Sergeant Rob Axe, who helped organise the community day, added: “This is the culmination of three days – we’ve done two days of enforcement, which was very successful.”

Nicola Marshall, from young people’s drug treatment service Evolve, said: “It was good as it gave people an opportunity to find out what a range of things are going on in their area.”

jrivett@oxfordmail.co.uk