A GROUP of residents will be opening their garden gates to the public to raise much-needed funds for their church.

The small community of Fishpond Bottom just below the historic Lamberts Castle will open gardens in a bid to raise much needed funds for St John's Church.

Eight private gardens will be accessible, ranging from mature and traditional cottage gardens to newer gardens designed and built by RHS Award Winners, but tended with love by their owners, will be open to visitors on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13.

This will be the first time the majority of these gardens have been open to the public. They are opening to raise the funds for better facilities in the church, allowing it to become a venue for more community events.

Visitors can purchase tickets of the day from the church which will also provide refreshments and hold cake and jam sales along with a plant stall with expert advice on-hand. There will also be a raffle for luxury hamper.

Tickets will cost £6 per person with children under 16 entering for free. All sales will need to be cash or cheque only and a name and address will be required for track and trace purposes.

The gardens will be open from 11am to 5pm both days.