Gardener Irene Bray is celebrating after scooping two prizes in the Kidlington in Bloom competition.

Mrs Bray, 56, of Exeter Road, won the award for best-kept front garden for the second year running and also took second place in the hanging basket category.

She said: "I've got more or less all kinds of flowers in my garden, because I love lots of colour.

Irene Bray

"I didn't expect to win this year, because I lost a lot of flowers because there was a late frost in June, just after I'd planted them. So I'm really pleased to have won."

The competition was judged by members of Kidlington Gardening Society.

Meanwhile, green-fingered gardening have been praised for their part in helping Abingdon scoop an award for community involvement in the prestigious Britain in Bloom competition.

More than 140 people entered Abingdon's gardening competition, which attracted entries from businesses, schools and home gardeners. People without gardens were encouraged to take part with categories for hanging baskets and container displays.

Cllr Audrey Tamplin, chairman of Abingdon Town Council's Britain in Bloom sub-committee, said: "The standard was very high this year and we were very pleased with the effort put in by the community.

"We owe the Britain in Bloom community award to the people who take so much trouble to keep the town looking beautiful."

Abingdon in Bloom finalists were invited to a presentation evening at Notcutts Garden Centre, in Nuneham Courtenay, near Abingdon, when the winners were announced.

Mayor David Allinson, Cllr Audrey Tamplin and Mark Mattock, from the garden centre, which sponsored Abingdon in Bloom, presented the awards.

Edward Cross, of Crosslands Drive, had a double success, winning first prizes in the best hanging basket and best container display categories.