Garden lovers will be able to sample some of the hidden treasures of Thetford as residents open their gates to the public.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Visitors to one of the open gardens at Thetford Open Gardens 2018. Picture: Rachel WoodVisitors to one of the open gardens at Thetford Open Gardens 2018. Picture: Rachel Wood (Image: Archant)

Thetford Open Gardens, now in its 13th year, will see 33 gardens open to raise money for charity on Sunday, June 23.

All different sizes and styles which organiser Rachel Woods says people would not expect in Thetford.

Mrs Wood, 67, said: "When you go into some people's gardens it is just magical.

"People don't expect gardens like this to be in Thetford. We have one garden that backs onto the River Thet and it is like a traditional English country estate garden."

Thetford & Brandon Times: Visitors to one of the open gardens at Thetford Open Gardens 2018. Picture: Rachel WoodVisitors to one of the open gardens at Thetford Open Gardens 2018. Picture: Rachel Wood (Image: Archant)

The open day features properties that are in the centre of the town and to the south. Every year a stand is hosted in the market square but this year a special glass carriage will be featured filled with flowers.

Mrs Wood added: "We have a number of community gardens this year with a garden the Salvation Army hosting a knitted garden so no matter what the weather it will look stunning.

"I got involved when I first moved to Thetford, I hadn't been in the town for very long, when someone asked if I would open my garden as I had moved into the doctor's house.

"The doctor had retired in the 1980s but I had so many people round saying they used to work for the doctor and it was a great way to meet people in the community."

Last year the open day raised £12,000 bringing the total raised to more than £70,000 for St Nicholas Hospice Care which offers support to those with long-term and life-threatening illnesses.

Mayor of Thetford, Brenda Canham, will also be visiting the gardens.

A number of prizes are up for grabs including a weekend for two in Blakeney, £100 worth of Thetford garden centre vouchers and an Adnams brewery tour as part of a summer draw raffle.

Mrs Wood added: "It's funny because when I started we were thrilled to raised £2,000 but now we are aiming for more than £12,000."

Programmes available from Thetford Garden Centre and the Leaping Hare tourist information for £5.

For more information visit Thetford Open Gardens on Facebook.