THE Stokesley open gardens event last Saturday and Sunday may have started dull and wet on the first day but many gardens drew lots of enthusiasts.

Twenty four gardens, including allotments, were opened for the event in support of Teesside Hospice.

After a largely rainy Saturday, the wet stuff held off until 5pm on Sunday, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the horticultural displays in the sunshine.

As well as ticket proceeds, the event’s fundraising was boosted by sales of refreshments and plants.

Derek Whiting, of Stokesley, who visited the event, said: “Thanks must go to the many garden owners, 24 of them, which included ten not opened before for the great effort put into this event.

“Even the allotments put on a good display with scarecrows, honey for sale and a nature trail to follow. Well done to Julia Haigh and all her volunteers for another well organised open gardens in Stokesley.”