One of Brightlingsea’s biggest fundraising events, Open Gardens, takes place this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 24^th & 25^th June from 10am to 5pm..

Now in its 35th year, the event – organised by the Brightlingsea Hospice Support Group – has raised tens of thousands of pounds for St Helena Hospice.

There there will be 35 gardens to visit, of all shapes and sizes, all over the town, though not all are open on both days. Many of the gardens have refreshments or plants and other items for sale, including art works and ice cream.

The group will be manning stalls in Springmead Garden selling sandwiches, home-made cakes, teas, coffees and Pimms.

Programmes are available from Little Boat Gifts, Spirals, SJ Familymart and Spar for £5 (under 16s go free).