While much of the county suffered repeat flooding over the past two years, allotment holders at one Oxford site are set to dig a well because they have no fresh water.

Four allotments sites in the city were awarded almost £1,500 in rent rebates this year because they were so badly affected by last summer's floods.

However, North Hinksey allotments, next to the village primary school, is struggling to attract plot holders because it has no running water on site.

Allotment managers were so desperate to find water for its 40 plots they enlisted a water expert to locate a source using the ancient art of water dowsing.

The search for water saw Evesham-based water dowser Christopher Strong survey the land using two steel divining rods to detect 'geomagnetic' forces under the ground.

After the rods started twitching, self-styled 'water witch' Mr Strong said there was a water source 9ft below ground.

Ans Laver, chairman of the North Hinksey Parish Council allotment committee, said: "We don't get flooded and we haven't got a water supply at that particular site.

"These allotments back on to houses and some people are able to bring water from their homes, but there's a good number of people who live elsewhere on the estate and they can't realistically bring their own water.

"It simply could do with a well.

"A water dowser has found water. It isn't 100 per cent guaranteed, but he did an intensive water search of the hill and I have no doubt whatsoever he's right.

"Water does emit energy. Dowsing is a very, very talented craft picking up on the energies that are in the water.

"Otherwise how on earth did people find water in mediaeval times?"

Parish councillors are confident in Mr Strong's ability after he identified water flowing 4ft under the Louis Memorial playing field where they hope to construct a pond.

A well, 9ft deep and costing £2,200, will be dug at the allotments a week on Monday.

Alan Stone, secretary of North Hinksey Parish Council, said: "When the council first mooted the idea I was extremely sceptical, but when he came along he held his divining rods and they started moving.

"I was still sceptical. I thought he was twisting the rods with his fingers but he identified a water source and said how deep it was and even predicted the flow rate.

"It was a totally new experience for me, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

"I'm a total convert now."

Mr Strong was paid an initial £125 for discovering water in the playing field, and will be paid a further £125 if water is found on the allotments.