National award for Oxfordshire lawn
A lawn in an Oxfordshire garden has been named the best in Britain in a national competition.
Retired doctor Chisholm Ogg's turf at Long Wittenham was chosen for its quality, features and maintenance routines.
Dr Ogg, 74, who spends up to 10 hours a day gardening, said: "I'm very surprised, but it does reflect the amount of work I do on it."
It was chosen at a competition held by a lawnmower engine manufacturer.
Judge Ian Small said: "Dr Ogg's lawn is outstanding.
"We were particularly impressed that it is the real centrepiece of this beautiful garden."
Dr Ogg has spent the last 14 years perfecting the lawn, which was up against 122 other entries.
He said: "I garden every day, not when it's covered in snow, but otherwise I do, rain doesn't stop me."
He attributed the success of the long, thin village garden to a good design and regular cutting.
"It's got to have a shape you can mow. Don't have dead ends you can't get the lawn mower round and mow it regularly," he said.
Dr Ogg and his wife open up the garden annually for the gardening charity, the National Gardens Scheme.