ANYONE with a beautiful or unusual garden in the Okehampton area is being encouraged to open their gates in support of local charity Hospiscare.

For the fifth year, green-fingered plant lovers in Devon will be opening their gardens to visitors and the charity is on the lookout for new and interesting gardens to participate.

Last year, the Hospiscare Open Gardens scheme raised £25,000, and saw a total of 5,000 people visit a huge range of gardens.

Fundraising manager for Hospiscare, Louise Beeken, said: 'We have a fantastic network of talented gardeners and every year we have a more varied selection of inspiring and delightful private gardens for visitors to enjoy.

'The gardens are a source of inspiration, but also help to provide much needed support for people with life-threatening illness and their loved ones.

'We had gardens of all shapes, sizes and designs and we will provide support for anyone who is interested in opening their garden for a weekend, day or even an afternoon.'

Last year there were many horticultural delights on offer — the gardens ranged from country cottages and farms, manor house gardens, stunning woodland sites and contemporary town gardens, all with a huge variety of plants, flowers and other attractions not normally open to the public.

Anyone interested can phone Hospiscare by Monday, February 15. For more information phone Tracey Skinner on 01392 688063.