WITH the sun shining and gardens looking their best, Britain in Bloom judges have been scrutinising Oxford’s green spaces.

On Thursday, Celia Ridley, Anne Kempson and Sally Swift were impressed by community involvement in the city’s gardens.

At mental health charity Restore in Manzil Way, East Oxford, volunteers have produced a impressive willow trellis for children to play beneath.

Mrs Swift, 63, from Reading, said: “We had a wonderful tour around parks and community gardens in Oxford.

“We were impressed by the community participation, it is clearly a city where everyone comes together to support each other and enhance the environment.”

The judges also visited Barracks Lane Community Garden, Florence Park and Templars Square shopping centre.

Judges for the Thames and Chilterns area will visit towns and villages in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. The results will be announced at the area awards on September 18 in Reading, and the top three towns will go forward to the Britain in Bloom finals next year.

People in Oxford have the chance to enter the city’s own version of the contest, Oxford in Bloom. Entries are open until Monday. Go to oxford.gov.uk/oxfordinbloom