A RANGE of ‘secret’ gardens will be opened to the public in aid of a hospice.

The gates of gardens in and around Durham will be thrown open to raise money for St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham.

The season will run from June until September, beginning with Crook Hall and Gardens, in Sidegate, Durham, on Thursday, June 18.

The garden of 86 Gilesgate, Durham will be open on Sunday, June 21.

All proceeds from the open gardens events will go towards St Cuthbert’s Hospice, which provides care for people with life limiting illnesses in Durham, Chester-le-Street and Derwentside.

Caroline Broadfoot, a hospice fundraiser, said: "This is one of our most exciting seasons to date. From intimate town gardens to 18th century orangeries, local people will have the chance to spend their summer exploring an incredibly wide range of outdoor settings normally closed to the public."

Some gardens will charge an admission while entry to others is by donation. For more information, call Caroline Broadfoot on 0191-386-1170.