PREPARATIONS are continuing for this weekend’s St Mary’s Church Open Garden event.

Twelve residents’ gardens in March will be open at a variety of times on Saturday and Sunday for enthusiasts to visit. Money raised from the event will go towards the fund to help restore the church in Westry, which was destroyed by fire more than a year ago.

Some gardens will offer lunch or supper - which needs to be booked beforehand - while others will supply light refreshments, including cream teas, cakes and ice cream.

It is hoped that people will purchase a programme in advance so that they can book a meal and plan their route around the gardens which are all expected to offer their own interesting activities to keep crowds amused throughout their visit.

The programmes, costing �2.50, allows entrance for one person to all gardens as well as giving details of opening times and other attractions. Children accompanied by an adult will have free admission.

Programmes can be bought from Johnson Ironmongers (01354 652188), Philpott’s Hairdressers (01354 652841), Margery Payne (01354 652841) and Pat Quince (01354 653761).