FAMILY fun is the theme for this weekend's Chipping Norton Games which form part of the town's Charter 400 celebrations.

Town Mayor Gina Burrows wants local residents to join in the spirit of the occasion by trying a variety of sports for free - from joining pro-footballers from Reading FC at Chipping Norton Football Club to enjoying the genteel delights of croquet.

"The event is aimed at all people of whatever age or ability to encourage them to try something new or re-visit something they once did. I have been extremely encouraged by the support from the various sports providers, so I say to everyone `Come and have a free go at some sports you'd like to try'."

There are Soccatots and Gymtots seesions for children, plus face painting and a bouncy castle at the Leisure Centre.

Adults might like to try something challenging like the climbing wall at Chipping Norton School - there is a fee of £1 a climb- or something more gentle like putting, croquet or bowls.

In keeping with the charter celebrations, there will be an old-fashioned tug-of-war on Saturday at 3pm on the Common.

Events are spread across several venues, including the football club, leisure centre, the bowls club at Greystones, croquet at Highlands in Burford Road, and the golf club at Southcombe.

In addition, there will be a 10-kilometre cycle ride starting from the town hall on Sunday at 10.30am for those aged 16 and over, and walks of varying difficulty for any age starting from the leisure centre on Saturday at 11am and 1pm. Chipping Norton Lido is organising the equivalent of a cross Channel swim on Saturday from 8pm with free entry with swimmers invited to do as many lengths as they like to contribute towards the 1,403 needed to complete the distance.

Anyone who wants to take part can pre-book at the town hall or call 01608 642341.

A shuttle bus service is being provided between the venues.