AN award-winning lane garden will open to the public on Sunday.

For the third successive year, the lane garden in Hamilton Terrace, West Boldon, will welcome visitors as part of the fundraising National Gardens Scheme.

It is the only South Tyneside garden to participate, and boasts an impressive collection of shrubs, perennials, herbs and annuals in beds and pots, creating a haven which is cherished by neighbours and friends who share it.

The garden has attracted much attention since it was created by resident Sue Jackson eight years ago.

It has been featured on BBC2's Gardeners' World programme and has won Northumbria in Bloom awards for the past three years.

Last year's open day was a great success, with more than 700 visitors raising more than £2,700 - the highest amount for a private garden in the region.

Plans for this year's event are well under way, with most residents of the two terraces that share the lane pledging to get involved by selling teas, cakes, crafts and plants in aid of the National Gardens Scheme's charities.

The garden will be open from noon to 5pm.