THE Culcheth Open Gardens event has had its most successful year to date, raising more than £6,000 in aid of St Rocco's Hospice and Culcheth Methodist Church.

Some of the most impressive household gardens in the village were open to the public earlier this month, with guests paying to discover the secrets usually kept behind closed gates.

As well as opening their gardens, homeowners in Culcheth put on a variety of community activities, such as a plant stall, tombola and refreshments.

Heather Boley, one of the organisers, along with Mike Bloomfield has worked tirelessly to make the event a success. 

She said: "The total amount raised by Culcheth Open Gardens event in July has come to a record breaking £6,397. 

"Money has been split between St Rocco's Hospice and Culcheth Methodist Church. 

"The church's money will be used in two ways - some towards a new audio visual system which is in great need and also on a community garden. 

"The former is used in services all the time for sound, hymn words on a screen and other visual aids but the present one is now unusable. 

"The community garden has yet to be designed but is planned to be at the front of the church and have a paved area with raised beds and pots to grow vegetables and flowers." 

It is hoped that guests at the church and members of the community will soon help tend the garden and be able to use the produce.