PRIVATE gardens across North Yorkshire are to be opened to the public to raise money for a charity which provides home-based hospice services.

The gardens, in Sowerby , near Thirsk; and Caldwell, near Richmond, will be opened on Sunday 19th June 19 and on July 9 and 10 gardens in Great Ayton will be open.

All the events have been arranged to raise money for Herriot Hospice Homecare.

In Sowerby, 15 to 20 gardens will be opened, from 2pm to 6pm, by local residents for people to access on the day. Tickets cost £3 each and free for children and are available on the day from the parochial hall.

In Caldwell, one very large garden at East Middleton, will be open from 1pm to 6pm. It features a large pond, orchard and courtyard. Refreshments will be available to buy and art work and plants will be on dale.

There will also be a selection of classic motorbikes on display. Entry to the garden is £3, payable on the day, and children are free of charge.

In Great Ayton, ten gardens will be open over the two days between 1pm and 5pm and there will be plant and produce stalls, as well as a tombola.

Tickets, priced £3, will guarantee access to all the gardens and they will be available from a marquee on the village green.