Bicester scooped second prize last night in the prestigious Britain in Bloom competition.

The town was presented with the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) Silver Gilt Award at a ceremony held in Chester.

Almost 70 communities had been shortlisted for the awards, having been narrowed down from more than 1,000 entries in what are the largest horticultural awards in Europe.

Bicester was given the award in the Britain in Bloom Large Town Award category, losing out to Perth in Scotland.

RHS judge Jim Goodwin said: "Bicester is well provided with open green space, mature and newly planted trees, with considerable sustainable planting throughout.

"Much thought has been given to conservation and recycling initiatives, and these were impressive.

"Colourful displays were evident in the retail centre and in the town park, while the areas adopted for wildlife and nature conservation were expansive, well-managed and offered many opportunities for volunteer participation."