A FATHER and son duo continued a winning family tradition as they scooped top prizes in an annual gardening competition.

Chris Oxley, 63, of Gosmore Lane, Marlow, won the best newcomer title and his son Steve, 38, of Mead Close, Marlow, came third in the Marlow Allotment Association awards at Court Garden on Monday.

Chris said: "It's hilarious. I used to have an allotment about five years ago then I gave it up. When I first started I won the award for best newcomer and it seems I have done it again.

"My father had an allotment for 40 years.

"I followed him into it and now my son has followed me. I think it's great.

"We have plots next to each other and can share tools and compost, it's very handy."

Steve was last year's best newcomer and was shocked to be placed third this year.

He said: "I wasn't really interested in having an allotment until I got my own house, but I remember going up to the allotments with my grandfather when I was about five years old and shelling peas with my grandmother.

"It's a real community and it's nice to be able to show my daughter where the food comes from."

Graham Talbot, a horticultural lecturer at the Berkshire College of Agriculture, judged more than 200 plots in Foxes Piece and Hanging Hill checking for range of crops, organisation and general plant health.

He said: "I look to make sure the person is keeping on top of everything.

"This year's standard was extremely high despite the dry summer and hosepipe ban."

Peter Burn, of Claremont Gardens, was crowned Master Gardener after 15 years of having an allotment at Foxes Piece.

He said: "This is my little haven. I don't know what I did differently this year.

"I just plant things the way I want them and if other people appreciate it that's a bonus."