Oxford's keenest gardeners were blooming with pride tonight at the city's annual flower awards.

The Oxford Mail-backed Oxford In Bloom presentation evening — held at Roman Way Sports and Social Club in Cowley — was attended by hundreds of green-fingered residents and businessmen from across the city.

Gold medals were awarded to 21 gardeners in 20 categories. Scores of silver, bronze, highly commended and merit awards were also handed out throughout the evening.

First-time entrant Chris Perks stole the show — winning three gold medals for Best Kept Small Front Garden, Most Florally Attractive Window Box and Best First Time Entry.

St Christopher's Primary School, in Temple Road, Cowley, also won gold for Best Schools Environmental Project.

Headteacher Alison Holden said her pupils had done a fantastic job.

She said: "One of our teachers was very keen on developing the school grounds and we had a courtyard that needed some tender loving care.

"We set up a gardening club. About 20-25 children joined and they have been tending the courtyard since March.

"It looks lovely, really beautiful."

Oxford In Bloom organiser Mike Gass said the standard of entries this year had been outstanding.

He added: "This is the first time I can ever remember every entry getting 65 points or more — it's been a brilliant year and we had a high number of new entrants."

Mr Gass — a key figure in the organisation of Oxford In Bloom since 1989 — has decided to retire to spend more time with his family.

The 64-year-old, who hosted last night's awards ceremony, said he felt extremely sad to be stepping down.

He said: "It's time for me to do other things and let someone else come along with fresh ideas.

"But I would like to come back next year to do some judging."

Oxford In Bloom — sponsored by the Oxford Mail since 2001 — started in 1985.

Entries are judged out of 100 on general impression, cleanliness and tidiness, quality of plants and arrangement and design.

More than 300 gardeners entered this year's competition.

The full list of winners is:

  • Best Kept Small Front Garden: Chris Perks, Palmer Road, Wood Farm.
  • Best Kept Large Garden Front: Jane Payne, Burchester Avenue, Headington.
  • Best Kept Small Back Garden: Mr and Mrs PJ Clark, Finch Close, Headington.
  • Best Kept Large Back Garden: Linda Clover, Kennet Road, Headington.
  • Best Terraced House: Suzanne Smith, Corunna Crescent, Cowley.
  • Most Beautiful Hanging Basket: Albert Hilland, William Kimber Crescent, Headington.
  • Most Florally Attractive Window Box: Chris Perks, Palmer Road, Wood Farm.
  • Most Beautiful Balcony: Carmel Whelan, St Nicholas Road, Littlemore.
  • Family Garden: Susan Cummins, Cumberland Road, Cowley.
  • Under-11 Planter Competition: Sacha Kelly, Horspath Road, Cowley.
  • Residential Vegetable Garden: Mr and Mrs R Massey, Headley Way, Headington.
  • Best Schools Environmental Project: St Christopher's Primary School, Temple Road, Cowley.
  • Display By Language Schools: Mr G Simpson, Oxford English Centre, Banbury Road.
  • Display By Universities and Colleges: Magdalen College, High Street.
  • Community Garden Therapy Award: Charlotte Attlee, Manzil Way, Cowley.
  • Community Outside Display: Mr P Brennan, Peverel Management Services, London Road, Headington.
  • Best Kept Pub: Jolly Farmers, Paradise Street.
  • Best Kept Hotel/Guest House: Cornerways Guest House, Abingdon Road.
  • Garden For The Disabled: Betty Fletcher, Stockley Road, Northway.
  • First Time Entry: Mr and Mrs PJ Clark, Finch Close, Headington, and Chris Perks, Palmer Road, Wood Farm.