GATES leading to a host of private gardens are being thrown open this weekend as a one-off treat to help raise funds for a parish hall.

The Scotforth Garden Safari' is showcasing 21 horticultural havens on Sunday, June 6, ranging from the weird but wonderful to scented gardens and allotments.

Carole Dobson is a member of St Paul's Church in Scotforth, which is behind the fund-raiser.

"It is quite a new and exciting venture for the parish. This is the first time it has been done, but if it takes off we might do it as a bi-annual event," she says.

"It is an ideal opportunity for people to make new friends, socialise and have a good time. People can select a few to see or try and visit them all."

She says proceeds will go towards improving the parish hall which is used by local community groups such as the Brownies and Guides.

Garden visits can be made from 2pm to 6pm on Sunday. Admission is by programme only, which costs £2 for adults and £1 for a child (£5 family ticket). They are available from the Safari HQ in the church grounds from 1.30pm.

The programme contains a map of the open gardens and a brief description of each, along with a fun quiz.

There will be crafts on the day while the Women's Fellowship will be selling home-made cakes at the church and raffle tickets will be sold all afternoon.