SIR: Britain's best known gardener, Alan Titchmarsh, is calling on gardening enthusiasts in Bolton to help raise funds for The Children's Society.

Alan is backing the Society's All Gardens Great & Small Campaign to run between May and September 1998. The idea behind the campaign is to ask people to open their gardens to the public and charge a small entry fee. A little extra money can also be raised on the day by serving refreshments and even selling plants.

Alan says: "For those of us who love our gardens this campaign is an excellent way to share the pleasure and raise money for such a worthwhile cause. It doesn't matter how big or small your garden is, everyone can take part. You may have a modest town garden or rolling acres of landscaped lawns in the country.

He continues: "You could join forces with friends or neighbours to open your gardens on the same day. You may even be a member of a horticultural club which would be interested in getting involved. What a marvellous way to help some of the country's most vulnerable children and young people."

A free information pack for gardeners interested in taking part in the campaign is available from the address below.

National Campaigns

The Children's Society

Edward Rudolph

House, Margery Street

London, WC1X OJL?

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