Bicester has been pipped by rivals Banbury in a regional round of the Britain in Bloom competition.

The town was the runner-up to Banbury in the large town category of the Thames and Chilterns region. But it did win two other awards. Garth Park won the best park award and the town came joint first with Oxford in the hanging baskets category.

Bicester gardeners Ray Crutchford, left, Scott Maynard, Bulent Kokden and Russell Blakemore.

Bicester hears in October if it has won the large town category in the overall Britain in Bloom contest. Bicester represents the southern region, having won the small town category in the south last year.

Mayor Lawrie Stratford said: "While I am disappointed we came second, I am delighted for head gardener, Brian Corcoran and his team, for winning the best park award."