FIVE secret gardens are to be opened to the public for one day only.

The village of Tudhoe will be turned into a mini open-air garden when families open their gates to raise money for the St Cuthbert's Hospice appeal.

Hospice trustee Gordon Allanson and his wife, Mavis, will be among those inviting gardening enthusiasts to take a glimpse at his private plot in exchange for a donation to the hospice's Key Appeal.

Mr Allanson said: "The gardens are certainly worth seeing.

"People like to see gardens on the same scale as their own - they can pick up ideas which they don't get from the gardens of a stately home."

He will be opening his garden at 16 St Charles Road, in Tudhoe Village, which comes complete with pond, stream, manicured lawns, about 70 trees and his spectacular delphiniums.

Tudhoe's other immaculately-kept gardens being shown off are Don and Margaret Lavery's garden at 30 Oval Park; John and Glenis Lowe's garden at 28 Oval Park; Mr and Mrs Fountain's garden at 46 Oval Park and the garden at York Villas, backing onto the cricket field, owned by Richard and Sheila Thompson.

The gardens will be open from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, July 10 and refreshments will be available. There is limited disabled access and dogs are not allowed.

For information, or to make a donation to the appeal, ring St Cuthbert's Hospice on 0191-386 1170.