ONE of the founders of the Blackbird Leys Mile has stepped in some 30 years later to save its latest incarnation at the 11th hour.

Last month co-organisers the Independent Working Class Association (IWCA)'s athletics club said they had been forced to drop the event after Oxford City Council never got around to giving them permission.

But Paul Brackett – whose sports-mad family first created the event in the 1980s – decided to take on the challenge of putting on the event in just two weeks' time, along with help from the Leys Community Development Initiative (CDI).

The 57-year-old thanked the Oxford Mail for its support and said he decided to become involved in saving the event after he read an editorial piece on it in the newspaper.

He joked: "It's thanks to the Oxford Mail for putting pressure on me to do it.

"Everything is go. We've had just two weeks to tell people about it again.

"I've done some big events, and I know how smoothly they can go with the right people in place. This is only a one-mile race in Blackbird Leys.

"We have a lot of support with our family and hopefully that will match the CDI, and between us we can put on a good event."

The city council confirmed Mr Brackett would not to seek permission again for the event following the local authority's previous blunder.

All are now invited to join the fun on Saturday, August 20, which will see residents race pound the pavements and green spaces of the estate.

Starting at 11am, runners will dash through the park, along Pegasus Road and past Evenlode Tower, past the shops in Blackbird Leys Road, along Cuddesdon Way, through Blackbird Leys Bowls Club and back to the park. There is no minimum age and participants can jog, walk or dance, with buggies in tow.

Mr Brackett said: "One lady asked me 'Can I bring my dog?' - of course you can.

"Whatever happens it will be a success, even if it's only 50 members of our family and friends."

About 180 unused medals from previous events will be handed out at the event, with bottled water provided by the Tesco at Oxford Retail Park.

Oxford City Council spokesman Chofamba Sithole said: "An event application has previously been submitted for the Blackbird Leys Mile which was due to be held on 13th August but was subsequently cancelled. In this case there is no need for the organiser to submit another application.

"The council welcomes all events which encourage physical activity and we wish the Blackbird Leys Mile every success."

Registration will begin at 10.30am in Blackbird Leys Park. For more information call the CDI on 01865 395 927.