A gardener is planning a change of scene by setting up an escort agency.

Chris Cozens, of St John's Road, Wallingford, wants to take on his new role because his work as a landscape and general gardener dries up during the winter months.

He said the legitimate agency would provide women, aged between 21 and 35, to escort men to social events.

"Gardening drops off a bit during the winter. I hope this will help me out," said Mr Cozens, 51.

"It would all be above board. I will interview the escorts to make sure, and some of them may have worked for other agencies, anyway."

Mr Cozens, who is currently advertising for escorts, said he would arrange for clients to meet up with escorts on his books.

An escort agency run in this way from a private home would be unlikely to need planning permission, said a South Oxfordshire District Council spokes- man.

People running the agencies also do not need to have a licence or to have permission from the police.

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