SEVERE flooding inundated Hanover Gardens in Bicester three years ago but now the retirement complex is back to its former glory and in the running to win £12,000.

The town centre site has been nominated as one of the finalists in the Tesco's BagsofHelp initiative through the sale of bags for life.

The estate hopes to create a sensory garden within its grounds and enhance the site, which saw residents left stranded by the flooding on Christmas Eve 2013.

Estate manager Tracey Dias-Gunawardena said: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Tesco Bags of Help grant.

"If we are successful we hope to breathe life into our raised flower beds that currently are in need of some TLC.

"We also wish to create a sensory area with seating where residents can enjoy an area of garden which will be accessible to our less-able residents."

Some 60 residents from Hanover Gardens were forced to celebrate the festive holiday away from their homes when the River Bure burst its banks and flooded the estate.

Many people had to be rescued by firefighters after the flood rendered them stranded within the buildings.

Ms Dias-Gunawardena added: "Although the estate was repaired and personal possessions replaced, residents are keen to drown the memory of the floods by creating a stunning outdoor space to help improve their health and wellbeing."

Plans at Hanover Gardens include new garden furniture and sensory garden to create an area open all year round for the residents to join together and socialise.

Ms Dias-Gunawardena said that if Hanover Garden was lucky enough to win the top prize, it would look at plans to create and outdoor gym also to promote healthy lifestyles.

The Tesco initiative has chosen three finalists in Bicester for the public to chose from by voting in store at the town's Oxford Road store

Following an application process, judges whittled down entries to just three projects or groups across the town, including Jack and Jill preschool at West Bicester Community Centre, which was targeted in a suspected arson attack this summer; and housing association Home Group Bicester, which hopes to create a family garden for residents.

Voting closes on Sunday, with the winner in the running for the top prize of £12,000 and the runners-up receiving either £8,000 or £10,000.