A STOURTON resident is expecting hundreds of visitors to once again flock to see his ancient bluebell wood which he's opening for the third year running as part of the National Gardens Scheme.

Peter Brookes and his wife Jenny will be opening Keeper's Cottage Bluebell Wood in Greensforge Lane to the public on Sunday May 6 and Bank Holiday Monday May 7.

The woodland comprises more than three acres of bluebells along the banks of Smestow Brook, close to the River Stour; and is a haven for wildlife and the river banks are thought to have been occupied by nail-makers before the industrial revolution.

Money raised from the open days will go to charities supported by the National Gardens Scheme -among which are Macmillan Cancer Support, hospice UK MS Society, Marie Curie and Parkinson's UK.

Mr Brookes, who first opened the doors to the rarely-seen bluebell wood in 2016, said: "In total we've now raised about £4,000 in the last two years that we've been doing it."

Hundreds of people attended last year's open days and Mr Brookes, a journalism lecturer and former TV news editor, is hoping for an equally successful turnout this time round.

Keeper’s Cottage is located in Greensforge Lane, off the A458 Stourbridge to Bridgnorth Road, Stourton.

The garden will be open from 11am to 3pm on both days - and home-made teas including gluten free and diabetic cakes will be available.

For more details check out website www.ngs.org.uk and search Keeper's Cottage or email peter@brookesmedia.com.