AFTER a disability forced Stephen Jefferies, right, to retire from his work 12 years ago, he turned his attention to gardening.

On Saturday, the 45-year-old continued his winning streak by winning the Ardley and Fewcott Flower and Produce Show for the second year in a row.

Mr Jefferies, of Fritwell, won for his shallots and peas, picked up the most points overall and won best in show.

He said: “I was over the moon to win. It is a tough little show. You never expect to win there because it is open to everyone and you never know who is going to turn up on the day.

“It has also been a bad year because of the weather, with a lot of rain and cold.”

Mr Jefferies, who used to work as a greenkeeper at Bicester Golf Course until doctors discovered a blood clot in his gut in 2000, said he will definitely take part again next year.

The event, organised by the Ardley and Fewcott Gardening Club, saw 150 people attend to see 300 exhibits of flowers, vegetables and produce.

Club secretary and show organiser Jean McGarry said: “It went very, very well. It is something the whole community can participate in.”