MORE than 250 gardening enthusiasts find out next week if they have won in this year’s Ox-ford in Bloom contest.

In May, the search was launched for the city’s best gardens and best-kept schools and businesses, in the competition’s 21st year.

And the winners are being announced at a special presentation evening at Roman Way Sports and Social Club in Cowley on Thursday.

Oxford in Bloom chairman Karen Roberts said: “We have already had 250 people sign up for the evening, where there will be a bucks fizz reception.

“People are advised to ar-rive for 7pm and the presentations will begin at 7.30pm.

“About 200 awards will be handed out, results declared on the night.

“We start with certificates, then have a break, and proceed on to special awards and the bronze, silver and gold certificates and trophies.

“Presenter Wesley Smith will be hosting the event, with Lord Mayor Mary Clarkson handing out the awards.

“We try to do the awards for the schools early on, so that the kids can get home to bed.”

Hoping to attend is Pat Clark, 79, of Finch Close, who won last year in the Best Kept Small Back Garden category.

The widower, who has three grandchildren, said: “I was flabbergasted to get gold last year and I want to find out how I have done this time.

“My wife Betty died from a stroke three years ago, so the garden keeps me busy.

“I have geraniums, fuchsias and flowering cherry trees. I also enjoy photography, so I take photos of my garden.”

Oxford City Council did not take part in Britain in Bloom, due to lack of funds.

However there have been plenty of entries for Oxford in Bloom, which is backed by the Oxford Mail.

Ms Roberts said: “We’ve had about 600 entries, and the standard has been high.”

Categories included Best Kept Small Front Garden, Best Kept Large Front Garden, Most Beautiful Hanging Basket and Most Florally Attractive Window Box.

There are also a number of categories in the business section, including Best Schools Environment Project.

The contest is open to all residents and businesses within the city boundary.

See the Oxford Mail next week for full coverage of the awards ceremony.