A COUNTRY estate whose spectacular sprawling grounds were once the talk of a Dale will throw open its garden gates once more.

Snow Hall, a grand house in the village of Gainford, between Darlington and Barnard Castle, was famed locally for its colourful collection of rhododendrons and azaleas.

Annual open days used to be a popular event with villagers who were saddened when a previous owner stopped hosting them.

But next month the public will again get to enjoy an afternoon in the gardens of Snow Hall after current owners Julian and Suzanne Bolton agreed to hold an open day.

Proceeds from the event on Whit Sunday will be donated to St Mary’s Church, in Gainford, and used towards community events.

Vicar Eileen Harrop said: “Many years ago it was open annually and just amazing, everyone said it was great and when the property changed hands in recent years people started talking and saying it would be nice to see it opened again this year.

“We approached Mr and Mrs Bolton and they were so glad to open the gardens and raise funds for the church, so they are back by popular demand and we are so grateful.

“The gardens are really spread out and arranged so visitors will go from one garden to the next, and then the next.

“You don’t see everything at once but rather move from once space to another, there are yew hedges that feel like a maze and the most fantastic displays.

"We think with a couple of days of sunshine the timing should be perfect.”

The garden will be open on Sunday, June 4, from 2pm to 5pm. Entry will be £5, children go free, and church volunteers will provide cream teas.