A SWEET-smelling centrepiece was planted in a retirement home's garden to celebrate 20 years since its opening.

Residents in Oxford's Pegasus Grange gathered to watch a magnolia plant as it was lowered into the grass, marking the two-decade milestone since the independent living accommodation first opened.

Justice of the peace and neighbour Jill McCleery MBE, who planted the tree on Wednesday, said: "We had lunch in the gardens, which are beautiful.

"It's a nice place for people to live as they get a little bit older, and its handy for getting buses. I might go and live there one day. They are nice people and I wish them well."

The 91 apartments in Whitehouse Road, built specifically for people over the age of 55, was built in 1996 on a former site of Oxford City Football Ground and Grandpont Nursery School.

Mrs McCleery, who lives opposite the apartments and got to know the site after overseeing the nursery's move, added: "I lost my beautiful view when it was built but I don't begrudge them, life's too short."

The grounds house a claim to fame in the form of a plaque, which was unveiled in the opening year by retired Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave.

Also at the party was Keith Shields, managing director of First Port Retirement which runs Pegasus Grange, plus Oxford Pegasus Residents' Association chair Gwyneth Tyson.

The tree planting was followed by a question and answer session with management staff, plus tea and cake for the residents.