PEOPLE who spent years raising cash to pay for a new community centre have celebrated the official opening of the new building.

People living in the Glory Farm area of Bicester have been without a permanent community centre since 1997, when the former building was demolished due to old age and repeated attacks of vandalism.

The community then swung into action and managed to raise a staggering £100,000 in four years to build a new one.

A temporary community centre was put up in Keble Road, but was taken away in 2004.

The fruits of their labours were recognised when mayor John Cozens officially opened Bicester East Community Centre.

He said: "I think we have done so well to have raised this amount of money.

"We were the only the ward in Bicester that didn't have a community centre.

"Now we do, my hope is that people will make good use of it because it's an advantage to the whole community."

Bicester East Community Association was formed in 2004 and is headed by Adrienne Crockett.

She said: "We have received a lot of funding from various bodies and the community has done very well.

"We know there are a lot of people interested in using the centre, it's just a case of getting the place filled up and operating.

"It's a perfect venue for children and would be ideal for parties. I hope it will be a good centre for the whole community."

Mr Cozens added: "I hope many clubs will take the opportunity to use it."