MEMBERS of Kidderminster Horticultural Society who opened their gardens to the public have raised more than £5,000, which they will donate to two charities.

All the proceeds from the open day are going to Acorns Children’s Hospice and Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Louise Aston, one of the event organisers, was one of the 12 people who opened their gardens.

“The whole day was a great success,” she said. “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were busy all day.

“We had in excess of 300 people visiting the gardens and the weather was kind to us, which helped get the numbers up.”

The gardens which were on display ranged from normal, everyday communal types to larger gardens, with visitors being provided with refreshments, including an all-day barbecue, a selection of cakes and strawberries and raspberries.

Mrs Aston is also celebrating an individual success after her garden was named one of the winners of the annual Bewdley in Bloom competition for the second year running.

The competition, part of the wider Britain in Bloom, consists of 14 categories, including best hanging basket, window boxes, tubs and vases, small private garden and vegetable garden. Mrs Aston took first prize in the best large private garden category.

The society will be holding cheque handover presentations to both Acorns Children’s Hospice and Prostate Cancer Support Group in early August.