GARDENS in Sedgefield village are to be opened to the public for what has become a popular annual event.

The Sedgefield in Bloom committee is organising a garden open day within the village on Sunday, August 4, between 1pm and 5pm.

This has been a regular event over the past few years, in which a selection of private gardens, large and small, are open to the public for an afternoon.

The day attracts visiting garden enthusiasts, as well as interested local residents, keen to have a closer look into a variety of private gardens, as well as enjoy a stroll around the village itself.

Sedgefield is a nine times winner of Northumbria in Bloom's Small Country Town category, and has been a runner up for the national title.

The event is advertised in the National Gardens Scheme Yellow Book, which publishes details of private gardens open for charity across the country.

Visitors should collect a map on the day, from Number Four Tea Room, in Front Street, which will show the location of the open gardens.

The committee would like to hear from villagers willing to open their gardens.

Anyone interested should contact Sue Hannon on (01740) 629549.