AVID gardeners in Sandhurst opened their garden to raise money for charity.

Penny and Martin Rickard displayed their three-quarter acre Victorian walled garden in Sandhurst on Sunday, August 4, to help generate funds for the Red Cross, raising about �1,200.

Some 180 people visited the grounds, and were dazzled by the picturesque views accompanied by music from The Hart Male Voice Choir.

Annie Burton, community fundraising manager for the charity, said: "It was an amazing opening day in such a beautiful garden.

"There were lots of people there too; the refreshment ladies never stopped serving tea and cake!" Mrs Burton added the large pond at the front of the house at Sandhurst Lodge Farm was spectacular in particular, especially as it was hidden. "It was sometimes hard to grasp where I actually was. More often than not I forgot I was in Sandhurst!" she said.

"It is absolutely stunning, especially as it is tucked away covered by some lovely over-hanging trees." People who visited the garden could also enjoy the garden's fruit trees, small vegetable patch and the natural Victorian pond.

The couple are both part of the Red Cross and Mr Rickard also sung on the day as part of the choir. Mrs Burton hopes the pair will continue to hold open days after the event brought in a large amount of people and cash for the charity.

The garden is part of the charity's British Red Cross Open Garden Programme. The Rickards have opened up their garden twice in the past and the money raised was from sales of food and drink and a �5 entry fee.

For more pictures, pick up the Bracknell News - out now.