Singer George Michael has come up with an environmentally-friendly way of protecting his new riverside swimming pool from prying eyes.

The multi-millionaire has blocked-off the view to the open-air pool at his £1.6m Thames-side home in Goring, near Wallingford, by planting thousands of pounds worth of trees, shrubs and bushes. Among the trees are 20-year-old horse chestnuts - reported to cost more than £1,000 each.

The natural screen has been well received by the star's neighbours.

There were complaints in the village when South Oxfordshire District councillors granted permission for construction of the pool and an adjacent bar and gym.

Counter manager at Goring Post Office Nicky Phillips said: "We are quite happy having George Michael living in the village. He is a nice chap and gets himself around. He lives here and is a part of the community, which is great. He has even been in the post office."

She added: "The trees screen the swimming pool off and are a good solution to everyone's worries."