The Royal Horticultural Society has confirmed what residents of Woodstock have always known - it is one of the best-kept towns in Britain.

Judges have named it as the third best small country town in the society's Britain in Bloom competition.

It is hoped that the accolade will help boost the town's tourist trade, which has been hit by the effects of foot and mouth disease and last month's terrorist attacks on America.

Residents have hailed the result a triumph as it is the first year the town has been nominated for the national competition. It has won the south east region in the same category for the last two years.

Judges reserved particular praise for the floral displays outside pubs and hotels, community gardening efforts, the newly-planted Saxon Hedge by the cemetery and Blenheim Park.

Pauline Richardson, of Meadow Walk, who co-ordinated the town's entry, said: "We are thrilled to be placed third, which was well above our expectations.

"I felt that the other places had excelled in ways we had not anticipated. We didn't know what we were up against, but we will try to emulate them next year."

Town mayor Ian Lenagan said the result was a timely boost for Woodstock after a year when trade in the town had been hit by foot and mouth and the World Trade Center tragedy.

He said: "We did superbly well - it's a great tribute to everyone in Woodstock and the effort they put in.

"Being nationally recognised in this way makes us all walk tall in what has been a difficult year for the tourist trade in the town."

Bicester, which was named as a finalist in the large town category, was not placed in the top three.