AN IMAGE to represent Leys Community Market will be unveiled on the first anniversary of the event.

The market was set up last December by volunteers wanting to bring affordable local produce to the Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys estates.

But the venture never had a logo so earlier this year organisers launched a competition for someone on the estate to come up with an idea.

The entries were displayed at the market in The Barn in Nightingale Avenue on Saturday.

Shoppers were given the chance to vote for their favourite and the winner will be announced at the Christmas market on Saturday, December 14.

Market co-organiser Christine McDermott said by opening the logo contest up to the community it was hoped more people would take up the opportunity to get involved in the project and give it an identity.

She said: “It was very much about following through in the ethos of the market which is to develop a community-grown asset. In order to do that we thought community involvement was vital.

“The logo idea was to draw people in so they would contribute to the market in the long term.

“It’s not just about providing something for local people. It is about local people producing something and creating something.”

Ms McDermott said the nine entries had ranged from “sharp” digital images to freehand drawings showing the food on offer at the market. But she said it was not easy to design a logo for the themes of market, adding: “It was quite a challenge I think to try to depict that creatively.”

Leigh Bayley, 13, entered her design in the contest. She said: “My logo represents what products and services are available at the Leys Community Market. There are lovely jams, jellies, chutneys and cordials, there are awesome breads, lush pies and great children’s activities.” Before the first community market in December last year, Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys residents had worked on the project since January 2012.

Oxford City Council’s regeneration budget contributed £14,000 and about £1,000 came in other grants.

Ms McDermott said it had been a challenge to keep residents coming to the market as it could only be held once a month.

But she said: “The good news is we have a real broad spectrum of stallholders.”

She also praised the volunteers who worked to stage the market.