For 40 years Wally Ward has run one of the last privately-owned farms within Oxford's ring road.

But now the 92-year-old is having to call time and put Hill View Farm in Marston on the market because none of his grandchildren want to take it on.

Last night Mr Ward said he was disappointed at having to give up.

"I've got arthritis very bad so I can't really work any more," he said. "Besides, you don't really want to carry on working when you're my age.

"I started the farm more than 40 years ago with my brother when I came back from the war, and since he died it hasn't been the same. It will be very sad saying goodbye."

His son-in-law Martin Gannon said: "There are four parties involved - three of Tom's children and Wally's daughter Jane, my wife.

"He can no longer do anything there and he wanted it to go to his grandchildren, but unfortunately there is not enough interest for it to be carried on."

Mr Gannon and his wife run the Cedar Therapy spa in Deddington, near Banbury.

"We are pretty busy and our three children, although they have rural interests, unfortunately don't want to take the responsibility of running the farm," said Mr Gannon.

"Wally always hoped that one of the children or grandchildren would carry on, so it will be a sad day when it goes."

Born in Headington Quarry, Wally and his brother Tom moved to Old Marston as children more than 80 years ago.

The family bought 40-acre Hill View Farm in 1952. It is now mainly used for horse grazing and stabling, and fishing on the Cherwell.

Mr Ward is not turning his back on farming completely and is keeping a plot of land on the opposite side of the Oxford ring road, known as Cherwell Piggeries.

Philip Hoare, of property agents Savills, said it was a "unique parcel of land and farm buildings" and there has already been interest.

He added: "It's the first time a farm so close to the city has come on to the market in decades.

"People are still considering keeping it as a farm but even they are looking at its longer term potential."

Hill View Farm is on the market for offers in excess of £1.2m. Mr Hoare added that developers would need planning permission to build houses on the site.