KIND-HEARTED residents in and around the picturesque village of Kinver will be opening their gardens to the public this weekend to help raise funds for Mary Stevens Hospice.

Among the keen gardeners throwing open their doors are Carole and Jack Westwood, of Chestnut Lodge, Dark Lane, whose well-tended garden touches the River Stour and boasts a newly-built medieval chapel with music.

Their garden paradise is one of nine featured in the scheme which runs this Saturday June 25 and Sunday June 26.

Other gardens throwing open their doors from 1pm to 6pm both days are: Silva Nova, Willow Hill, Cobweb Cottage, April Cottage, Greenfields, 4 The Grazings and 22 and 70 Church View Gardens.

The event has been organised by Mary Stevens Hospice’s Kinver Volunteer Fundraising Group, led by Sylvia Sidaway, to help pull in extra pounds for the charity which costs £2m to run each year.

Janet Jones, head of fundraising at the Stourbridge based hospice, said: “The group working on this event and all the owners of the gardens to be viewed have worked extremely hard to pull the weekend together.

“The changing weather conditions always prove a challenge for gardeners, particularly when they wish to display their gardens in prime condition to visitors, but I am sure the event will be a huge success.”

Garden lovers will be able to wander around all nine gardens at a cost of £3 each (adults) and £1 for children.

Programmes are currently on sale at Just Petals in Kinver High Street.

They will also be available from the bottom of Vicarage Drive throughout the open weekend.

Parking will be available on public car parks in the village.