A PICTURESQUE garden is being opened to the public to raise money for charity.

Oliver Ford Garden, near Consett, owned by Bob and Bev Tridgett, will be welcoming visitors on Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.

The three-acre garden, on Longedge Lane at Rowley, has been carefully cultivated by Mr Tridgett, a former BBC Gardener of the Year, over the past 18 years.

There is an arboretum, stream, wildlife pond, bog garden, rock garden, scree bed, herb garden, orchard and a wild flower meadow.

The National Garden Scheme raises money for a number of charities including the cancer support organisations, Marie Curie and Macmillan.

Mr Tridgett said: “I do this because I believe that they are a worthwhile cause.

“One in three people will get cancer and many of them will need end of life support.

“You never know, I or my family may be in need of their services one day.”

People can bring picnics and dogs on leads are welcome.

Entry, £4 adults, free for children, must be booked beforehand by visiting ngs.org.uk for timed slot.