NEW roundabouts, swings and slides thrilled children at the play area of the Rose Hill Community Centre.

The new features, part of an £80,000 investment by the city council, were opened alongside the city's annual Mela on Saturday.

Linda Smith, lead member for leisure, parks and sport on the city council, brought her four-year-old Ben Akehurst along for the opening.

She said: "It was great to be finally able to open the park. It really complements the new centre beautifully.

"I hope it will be really well-used and that local families will enjoy it.

"I know all the kids here on Saturday loved it, there's such a wide range of equipment."

The new equipment will be found at the back of the £4.76m Rose Hill community centre which was opened in January, and includes a gym, conference rooms, a public library and ballroom.

The new play area was installed by Direct Services and the council's Active Communities Team as part of their ongoing plans to refurbish and rejuvenate communities in Oxford.

On Saturday dancers, musicians and magicians also took the stage for the annual Mela, which is organised with help from the Oxford Hindu Temple and Community project.