Nature lovers from far and wide have poured into Thetford for a town-wide event in which gardeners had the chance to show off the fruits and flowers of their labour - and raise more than £7,000 for charity in the process.

Thetford & Brandon Times: The annual Thetford Open Gardens Event 2015.The annual Thetford Open Gardens Event 2015. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2015)

Thetford Open Gardens took place on Sunday, with 28 gardens and one church opening their back doors to the public.

Visitors from as far afield as March, Cambridge and even Edinburgh were treated to a range of gardens.

From the riverside setting of plots in Ford Street, to verdant spaces in Arlington Way, and on to rose-filled flower beds in Magdalen Street, there was something for all tastes.

An extra 100 programmes were printed for this year’s event, at a cost of £5 each.

The event’s growth saw it reach its biggest fundraising total ever, with more than £7,000 drummed up for St Nicholas Hospice Care as of Tuesday - with more possibly to come.

Rachel Woods, organiser, said gloomy weather had evidently not put people off coming out, and may have even helped.

“Even though it was dull, it’s fascinating to see that plant sales were well up on last year and I think that people had a bit more energy as it wasn’t too hot.

“One of our ladies sold £150 worth of her paintings too, and people really seem to have enjoyed it,” she said.

Although the event has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the hospice in its nine years, it is also about community involvement, according to Mrs Woods.

“It’s brilliant to hand over the money to the hospice and they are very grateful.

“But it’s as much about getting people out and for them to see the lovely side of Thetford.

“I love the town and what it has to offer, and to see other people enjoying it too is wonderful,” she said.

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