WAR was the focus for flowerbeds in Witney as part of the town’s entry in a national floral competition.

Six community groups have planted beds as part of the town’s Britain in Bloom bid.

They have adopted Witney in Bloom’s own First World War centenary theme, rather than the competition’s official tribute to the 50th anniversary of organisers the Royal Horticultural Society.

Some 13 gardeners with learning difficulties, dementia and head injuries from Dig ‘n’ Grow, part of the Guideposts Trust, planted flowers including poppies, antirrhinums and sweet peas outside Langdale Hall.

The two raised flower beds have wooden sculptures of a soldier and a mother and child to depict different versions of life during the war.

Project co-ordinator Pauline Stowell said: “It’s an opportunity for service users to get involved in the community and reflects our aims of increasing social activities and self-esteem.”

Witney Town Council also ran a Schools in Bloom contest last month, won by West Witney Primary School.

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