It was the turn of Blackbird Leys' younger residents to make some noise to mark the Oxford estate's 50th birthday when they joined in a lively sports tournament.

About 100 children enjoyed the spring sunshine to take part in the Street Olympix at Blackbird Leys Park on Wednesday.

The event was one of 50 planned to celebrate the half a century since Oxford City Council agreed to build the housing estate in 1957.

The youngsters from Orchard Meadow Primary School and Mabel Prichard School, Blackbird Leys, and Rose Hill Primary School took part in rowing races, a standing long jump, a 40 metre run, a one mile relay and throwing contests.

The day was organised by Oxford City Council and Oxford University sports development outreach team.

Trevor Eames, learning support teacher at Mabel Prichard School, Cuddesdon Way, took along students from Year Four and Year Five. He said: "They really enjoyed the rowing machines.

"None of them have been on one before so it was nice to do something new.

"We are part of Blackbird Leys and a lot of our children are from Blackbird Leys and things like this make us feel part of the community."

Joseph Barrett, sports supervisor at Orchard Meadow Primary School, took along about 20 pupils from Year Four classes.

He said "They have enjoyed absolutely everything. It is really important and gives them a lot of encouragement.

"I grew up in Blackbird Leys and it is excellent the children are taking part in the celebrations so they know they are not just doing it for fun, but for a good reason."

There were also children from Year Four at Rose Hill Primary School taking part.

Teacher Alan Lisgo said: "It gives the younger ones a taste of athletic events and gives them an opportunity to participate in sport at an early age.

"Some of the older children participate at quite a high level but here I have every Year Four pupil taking part in something, no matter what their sporting level."

There will be 50 events held in Blackbird Leys to mark the anniversary during the year.

Throughout this week the Silver and Golden Circle Club at Blackbird Leys Community Association have been wearing fancy dress and playing games to raise money for Comic Relief as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.