A GARDEN and nursery near Stanley is opening to the public on Bank Holiday Monday to raise money for a leading charity.

Birkheads Cottage Garden and Nursery features a three-acre garden, 700 feet above sea level, that contains more than 4,000 plants.

Gardening enthusiasts will be able to look round the garden and buy plants from the nursery when it takes part in the British Red Cross Open Garden Scheme.

A spokesman for the British Red Cross County Durham and Teesside branch said: "The garden is designed to give year-round colour and interest and the elevated site offers magnificent views over open countryside.

"Most of the plants seen in the garden can be bought at the nursery where the owner, Christine Liddle, will be available for specialist plant advice."

The garden will be open between 2 and 5pm. Admission is £2 for adults, 50p for children.

The nursery is off the A6076 between Stanley and Sunniside, near Causey Arch and the Tanfield Railway