A record number of local gardeners will be showing off their green-fingered prowess at the Brightlingsea Open Gardens event this weekend (June 13 & 14).

Organised by the Brightlingsea Hospice Support Group, garden fans will find 45 gardens or all kinds open around the town, all helping to raise money for St Helena Hospice.

The group has been supporting the Colchester-based hospice for over 35 years and last year the open gardens event contributed in large part to the £23,145 it raised.

Lunches will be available on both days in Springmead Gardens, along with a licenced bar, while other gardens will be selling refreshments, ice creams, jams and chutneys, plants and artwork,. You’ll find live musid in some venues, too.

Programmes are available from Spirals, Little Boat Gifts, Spar or at gardens – which are marked with a rainbow-coloured windmill – and cost £5 per adult, with under 16s free.