Despite a wet start to the week, keen gardeners are hoping for a brighter outlook for Steventon Open Gardens.

Nineteen gardens will be open on Sunday, and to mark the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics, a best-dressed Olympic scarecrow contest will be held.

The village school, St Michael’s Primary, is also joining in the fun, showing off its Olympic garden, and hosting a miniature garden contest for children in the village.

Headteacher Judy Spiller said pupils had painted stones in different colours to form the Olympic rings.

She added: “We have planted lettuces inside the green ring, pansies in the purple ring and marigolds in the yellow ring.”

Mrs Spiller added: “We are hoping the weather will improve. But I think it’s nice for the village to have events like these.”

The open gardens is also a fundraiser, with entrance by programme charged at £5 per person. The causes to benefit are mental health charity Restore, The Felix Fund at Didcot’s Vauxhall Barracks, the primary school’s plans to develop its outside space and St Michael and All Angels Church.

Gardens will be open from 2pm to 6pm, and as well as floral displays, there will be music from St Birinus School and the Thameside Rhythm Kings Jazz Band.

For more details, visit steventon.info