Twenty-eight volunteers gathered at Launton Parish Hall at 10am on Saturday, March 28, to take part in the village’s annual spring clean.

It took around two hours in total, and photos from the morning show piles of rubbish and recycling bags collected by volunteers.

Armed with litter pickers, gloves, high-visibility tabards and rubbish and recycling bags, they spent two hours clearing litter.

The event was organised by Launton Parish Council.

As a thank you for their efforts, volunteers returned to the parish hall to enjoy cakes and hot drinks provided by the Launton Women’s Institute.

The average price of a litre of diesel at UK forecourts on Wednesday was 184.2p, up 29 per cent since the war started on February 28.

Average petrol prices have reached 153.7p per litre, a rise of 16% over the same period.

The bus company, which operates across Oxfordshire, has said travelling by coach “offers a great-value alternative” to using the car.

New Oxford Tube coach (Image: Stagecoach)

Chris Hanson, managing director of Oxford Tube and Stagecoach West, said: “Easter is one of the best times of year to get out and explore, and with our updated route map we’re making it even easier for customers to discover more of what London and Oxford have to offer.

“With petrol prices still high, travelling by coach offers a great-value alternative.

“Our fares are simple, there are no hidden costs, and frequent departures mean families and visitors can enjoy a full day out without worrying about fuel, parking or congestion charges.”

Oxford Tube said it is making it “easier and more affordable than ever” to connect between Oxford and London.

Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Oxford Tube connects Oxford city centre at Gloucester Green with key London locations including Victoria, Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate, Shepherd’s Bush and Acton Main Line.

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Stagecoach estimates that travelling by Oxford Tube to london can save families £25 to £44 per trip, “while removing the stress of traffic, parking and city congestion”.

It says four return passenger tickets on the Oxford Tube would cost £56.50, but a 120-mile trip to the capital and back would cost between £85 and £100 for fuel, parking and congestion charges factored in.

A spokesman for Stagecoach said: “With coaches running up to every 10 minutes and no need to pre-book, the Oxford Tube offers flexibility that suits spontaneous Easter plans.

“Passengers can hop on and off at multiple convenient stops, making it easy to build a bespoke itinerary, whether that’s a shopping trip, cultural day out or family-friendly adventure.”

The Red Lion in Gloucester Street in Oxford is the perfect place for some al fresco dining as it has a large garden at the back, with lots of seating, including some cosy booths.

When you see the curved facade of the front of the pub it’s hard to imagine its extensive outdoor seating area close to Gloucester Green.

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But when the sun comes out, the outdoor space attracts lots of diners.

The Red Lion is the Oxford Mail Pub of the Week.

Tables outside the Red Lion in Oxford (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Now part of the Premium Country Pub Collection, the main focus is on popular pub food and there is plenty of space to dine inside as well as outside.

The traditional breakfast is £10.95 and there are pizzas and burgers on the menu. Sunday roasts are also popular.

Favourite main courses on the menu include: haddock and chips (£19.95); chicken, leek and Davidstow cheddar pie (£20.50); pan roasted lamb rump £26.50); and pan roasted salmon (£21.95).

Staff at The Red Lion in Oxford (Image: Andy Ffrench)

The pub said in a statement: “Dedicated to providing an exceptional standard of service, we always go above and beyond to ensure that your every need is catered for.

“Our carefully selected pub food menu features a wide choice of hand-picked dishes, three course meals, and scrumptious Sunday roasts, which are sure to delight even the toughest food critics.

“Boasting one of the city’s biggest beer gardens, this premium establishment offers the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing pint, a sun-drenched cocktail, or large glass of wine in the sunshine.

“With its lively atmosphere, our spacious patio area is a great spot to indulge, socialise and relax whenever the sunshine breaks through the clouds.”

Food is served at The Red Lion (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Members of the Oxford branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) have researched the pub’s history.

A spokesman said: “The present building was erected in 1904 in place of a previous pub.

“It was completely refurbished in 1984 and the name changed from Red Lion to Oxford Bakery and Brewhouse; the word bakery was removed and it was just Brewhouse from 1990 and then Fuggle & Firkin from 1996 but still brewing.

“It became the Goose in 2000 and then back to Red Lion when acquired by M&B in 2008.”

The pub has a four out of five rating on reviews site Tripadvisor.

One visitor last month – March – gave it a five-star review, saying: “Visited on a sunny afternoon and it was quite busy.

“Nonetheless we were seated and served quickly even though we had not booked.

“Very tasty fish and chips and a perfect Guinness.”

Jill, another diner, who visited in December, also enjoyed her visit.

She wrote: “There was a small line when I ordered at the bar but tables were plentiful. The food came out in a timely manner and the staff was great at checking in. The food was delicious.

“Would love to come back again with friends/loved ones in the future – it was a cosy place and the price was right.”