A CAMPAIGN to save an iconic garden has got off to a flying start with almost £20,000 raised in less than two-weeks.

The future of Helmsley Walled Garden is under threat as lockdown measures mean it is unable to open to the public and generate revenue to support its staff and volunteers.

Garden manager June Tanish came up with idea of encouraging people to adopt a square meter of the garden for a £25 donation.

The Northern Echo:

Helmsley Walled Garden Picture: Charlotte Graham

So far nearly £20,000 has been raised and if the £50,000 target can be met, the garden's future will almost certainly be safe for another year.

Ms Tanish said: "It will be two weeks on Saturday since we set the fundraising site up so the response has been absolutely wonderful.

"We are delighted, it is just going so well."

The whole ethos of the garden is to bring well-being to both visitors and the volunteers who work throughout the winter tending to the grounds.

As well as providing volunteering programmes and an oasis of calm for visitors, the garden is set to appear on the big screen this summer as the setting for The Secret Garden film starring Julie Walters and Colin Firth.

A host of events celebrating the film's release have had to be cancelled, but the garden has received a boost from the child star of the film, Dixie Egerickx, who has adopted a square meter.

To support the campaign, click here