AN explosion of colour and scent helped a crop of gardeners scoop awards at the annual Oxford in Bloom presentation last night.

Prizes of up to £100 were dished out in a range of categories including most beautiful container, best commercial display and Junior Oxford in Bloom.

Among the winners was Chris Perks, pictured, from Palmer Road, Wood Farm.

The 60-year-old won gold in the best-kept small garden and the best container categories, having also won both sections in 2011.

The veteran Oxford in Bloom competitor said: “Gardening is my passion and I’m very pleased to say that it still looks great now in September.”

Michelle Legg, organiser of the Oxford in Bloom, last night said: “The standard of entries has been very high which made judging a difficult process.

“We are looking forward to congratulating the winners for their efforts this year.”

For more information on the winners, see tomorrow’s paper for report and pictures.

Picture: OX54312 Ric Mellis