YOUNG people in Bicester have been getting ready for Christmas by making cards, decorations and gifts.

Dozens of youngsters took part in a series of activities at The Studio Cafe, in Crown Walk, which was set up by a town youth group called Yobs.

As well as festive cards and decorations, visitors also tried their hand at tie-dyeing to make T-shirts.

Oxford Mail:

  • Henry Allport, 17, helps Aidan Luck, 10, with tie-dyeing a piece of fabric

One of those getting his hands dirty was 10-year-old Aidan Luck, who said: “I had an epic time.

“I loved getting my hands dirty making really cool things to give to my girlfriend.”

The cafe, which opened on October 28, has so far had more than 1,000 visitors, including Banbury MP Sir Tony Baldry, who dropped in to see the craft event on Saturday.

Helen Le Brocq, OYAP director, which is working in partnership with the young people’s group to run the cafe, said: “It has been successful beyond our wildest dream.

“It’s so fantastic to see the community coming in, being proud of the young people and really supporting them.”

Sainsbury’s has donated the cafe free of charge to the group until Easter.

Mrs Le Brocq is urging local people, businesses and politicians to get behind the initiative and support it to secure its future.

For more information, see the website thestudiobicester.com