Winchester civic chiefs say that there will be floral displays in the city this summer despite the axing of their hanging baskets.

Flowers will bloom in the flower beds in parks such as Abbey Gardens and along The Weirs.

Earlier this week the Daily Echo revealed that the city council was not buying any hanging baskets because of the looming water shortage.

The flower beds will use drought-resistant plants and mulch on the top to retain moisture.

The move came as a surprise to many as £35,000 over two years was allocated to support the work of Winchester in Bloom.