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The streets of Sadr City are slowly coming back to life.

Within minutes of getting out of a heavily armoured vehicle, we are surrounded by laughing children.

Some are playing table football on the pavement. Others are trying to jump into every shot we film for our television report.

A public swimming pool has just re-opened - the first in this neighbourhood of the Iraqi capital. It is for boys only, but at least they get the chance to cool off.

Screaming with delight, they dive, jump and splash into the water. This is a side of Baghdad you rarely get to see.

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Violence has left its scars all over Sadr City. On the main streets, there are bullet holes and burnt-out buildings everywhere.

Security has, though, improved dramatically in recent months.