TAKING part in Oxford in Bloom is a great way to stay active when you retire, according to one of this year’s top prize winners.

In May, the search was launched for the Oxford’s best gardens and best-kept schools and businesses.

More than 200 people attended the awards ceremony at the Roman Way Sports and Social Club in Cowley on Thursday, and among the winners were pensioners Sheila and Errol Smith.

They won gold in the Most Beautiful Hanging Basket category.

Mrs Smith, 72, of Blay Close, Blackbird Leys – a mother-of-three with three grown-up daughters, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren – said: “My husband and I are very pleased to win this award.

“We have been doing our own allotment in Kestrel Crescent since 1962, growing cabbages, sweetcorns, cabbages and onions, so we should know what we are doing.

“Doing the garden and going to the allotment is good exercise and it’s much better than sitting around vegetating, which is what a lot of people do when they retire.”

Mr Smith, 73, who worked at the Cowley car plant for 30 years before he retired, said: “We put begonias and petunias and all sorts of flowers into six hanging baskets on the front of the house and when the judges came round it looked perfect.

“The neighbours have also commented on how nice the baskets look.

“When my youngest daughter Debbie, who is 47, found out we had won she said ‘it’s about time’. It is nice to be recognised in this way.”

Sheila Kelly, 68, of Atwell Place, Headington, had the Most Beautiful Balcony.

It is the fourth time Mrs Kelly, who lives with her partner Wilbert Barry, 70, has won gold in the category.

She said: “I got silver last year, so I am delighted to get first prize again. Wilbert and I went along to the ceremony and we had a great night.

“I have been entering Oxford in Bloom since 1993 and I am already looking forward to next year and planning what I am going to do.

“We also have a garden and an allotment and I get great pleasure out of gardening — it really brightens the place up.”

The former county council carer and her partner live in a block of 24 flats and their neighbours frequently praise their efforts.

“Some people put window boxes and hanging baskets on their balconies like us,” she said. “I like to fill the boxes and baskets with petunias, geraniums, busy lizzies and fuschias and they look really colourful.”

Mrs Kelly has one son David, 49, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She added: “I know David will be delighted to find out that I have won again.”