MORE than 200 lanterns will be lit in the garden of Andrew's Corner, Skaigh Lane, Belstone tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday for a fundraising event under the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).

Whatever the weather, the event, which is open to the public, will take place so people are being invited along even if it is just to sit in the conservatory and enjoy a glass of wine or two, catch up with friends and watch the garden gradually turn into fairyland as the daylight fades.

If the rain holds off visitors can wander around the garden to enjoy the plants or the views of Cosdon and the Taw Valley.

The garden is open from 7pm to 10pm with wine and cheese. Entry is £5 for adults and £2 for children. 

The NGS is the biggest single donor to both Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Care. Last year they both received £550,000.

But this is only part of the picture, in 2011 the NGS donated £450,000 to Help the Hospices, the charity that supports the hospice movement, and £350,000 to Crossroads Care to provide help to carers, plus £100,000 to Arthritis Research UK which helps fund the development of a new wrist splint, thus providing pain relief for patients with arthritis.