AROUND 120 visitors braved the rain and the wind to visit the first-ever open garden event at Middleton Hall Retirement Village.

Approximately £900 was made on the day in support of the National Garden Scheme charities, from tickets and tea sales at the home in Middleton St George, near Darlington on Saturday.

A spokeswoman said: "Many visitors commented on the scale of the gardens, enjoying the diversity of planting and said they were glad they visited despite the weather.

"The community allotments, woodland walks, the butterfly beds and the Mediterranean gardens were all popular with visitors. Many visitors commented that they hoped the gardens would be opened again next year."