A COUPLE who have opened their garden for charity for two decades will welcome visitors for the final time this summer.

Jean and Trevor Crompton, of Woodside House, in Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, are offering members of the public the last chance to see inside their three-acre garden, from 1pm until 4.30pm on Sunday.

The house and garden date back to 1840 and over the years the garden had become neglected.

Mr and Mrs Crompton took over the house 30 years ago and single-handedly transformed the garden.

However, the pair, who are nearing their 80s, have decided to call time after this year's showing.

On the National Garden Scheme (NGS) website, it states: "It (the garden) is a mature undulating garden full of interesting and unusual trees, shrubs and plants.

"Superbly landscaped by the owners themselves, both extremely keen gardeners.

"There are large island beds, sweeping lawns, flowing herbaceous borders, an old walled garden with beautiful stonework, rhododendron beds, a fernery and stumpery, three ponds, a grass bed and vegetable garden.

"A delightful garden full of interesting and unusual plants and features much to fire the imagination."

Refreshments will be available and a range of unusual plants grown in the garden will be on sale.

Admission is £5 and children enter for free.

The postcode for the property is DL14 0DU.