The hard work of green-fingered people was rewarded last night at the presentation of the Oxford in Bloom awards.

The hosepipe and sprinkler ban has not stopped Oxford blooming as hundreds of people, schools and businesses entered the annual contest.

But some regulars to the competition have been unable to enter because they have not been able to continually water their gardens with watering cans.

Contest coordinator Mike Gass, when asked what was different about 2006, said: "We have had a hosepipe ban.

"It has had an effect and there are people who normally enter who haven't been able to take part.

"One lady has been watering her garden with 70 watering cans full of water three times a day and that is hard work."

Mr Gass was pleased that plenty of newcomers to the contest had entered, and some had won gold awards.

He said: "We have had plenty of new people entering, and that is thanks to the coverage we have had in the Oxford Mail."

This year was the first year there was an award for the best vegetable garden, which Mr Gass said had attracted 30 to 40 entries.

During last night's ceremony, 150 certificates and 35 cups were presented by the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Jim Campbell.

BBC Radio Oxford's Sybil Ruscoe and Mr Gass hosted the event, at the Roman Way Sports and Social Club in Cowley, and the Cowley-based Strawberry Fair majorettes performed.

Pictures of all the entries were displayed on a big screen throughout the night.

Mr Gass added that an Oxford in Bloom delegation was set to travel to Perth next Thursday to find out the results of the national Britain in Bloom competition.

Full results of all Oxford in Bloom winners in our four-page picture special tomorrow.