A Herefordshire village will open up its gardens in May to raise funds for the upkeep of the local village hall and church.

Putley Open Gardens takes place on Sunday May 8 and offers visitors the opportunity to explore seven beautiful gardens as well as Putley Church and its churchyard.

There are three waymarked routes accessing some of the gardens, using footpaths through orchards and pastures, providing a chance to enjoy the apple blossom, wildflowers and wildlife as well as the gardens themselves.

Alternatively, it is a two-and-a-half-mile route by car and all the gardens have adjacent parking (a three-minute walk at most).

Ledbury Reporter: Putley Church. Credit: Philip PankhurstPutley Church. Credit: Philip Pankhurst

This year’s featured gardens include one that has been tended by the same family for 30 years. Others have been developed over the last two to five years.

The newest is a work in progress, where ancient fruit trees, azaleas and much more besides have been discovered. There is also a beautiful quarter acre plot with themed borders and a contemporary-styled south-facing garden created four years ago.

Visitors to Putley Open Gardens are also encouraged to explore Putley Church and its lovingly cared-for churchyard.

'Lovely settings and views'

Of particular interest is an unusual oak and teak War Memorial, a very fine medieval Preaching Cross, specimen trees, the possibility of emerging wildflowers and delightful views over the adjacent duck pond.

Tim Beaumont, who launched the event eight years ago, said: “Visitors are always delighted that there is so much to enjoy - seasonal interest and colour, landscape features and garden sculptures along with some lovely settings and views.”

READ MORE: Yvonne's garden sparkles for football club

Everything starts and finishes at Putley Parish Hall, where refreshments will be available between 10am and 4pm, as well as a tombola and plant sales.

There will be bacon butties from 10am to midday, soup and rolls from 12pm to 2.30pm, and cakes and teas from 2.30pm to 4pm.

Entrance is £5 per person and there is no charge for children under 15. Dogs are not allowed in the gardens. All proceeds go towards the upkeep of Putley Church and Putley Parish Hall.

For more information visit www.putleygardens.org.uk