A LOCAL couple, whose son survived cancer, are using their scenic country garden to say thank you to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Brian and Megan Taylor, of The Cross, Coddington, are now old hands at opening their garden to the public, under the NGS scheme.

But they have a very personal reason for welcoming visitors to their one acre garden and five acres of woodland walks.

Ten years ago, their son Huw, now 44 and living in New Zealand, was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Mrs Taylor said: "I joined the local Macmillan Committee then, and because the NGS supports Macmillan to a large extent, I decided to support the scheme."

She added: "The tea money from the open days goes directly to Macmillan."

But fund-raising for a charity that has assisted them isn't the only reason for the family's NGS support.

Mrs Taylor said: "We really enjoy watching all the people enjoy our garden."

She isn't certain how much they have raised for the NGS and Macmillan over the years, but in one year alone their open garden event raised £800.

This year, of special interest for the opening day, on Sunday, July 6, from 2pm to 5pm, will be a willow sculpture exhibition by local artist, Victoria Westaway.

She exhibited in the garden last year, and since then her career has really taken off.

Mrs Taylor said: "She has gone on to good acclaim , including an invitation to design a sculpture which formed part of a RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden."

The Post Code for The Cross is HR8 IJL, and anyone seeking further information, in advance of the Open Day, should phone 01531 640246.