GARDENING enthusiasts in Horwich will open their gardens for public scrutiny next month - as part of a fund raising effort.

About two dozen gardens from Pennine Road, Church Street, Foxholes Road to Stocks Park and Fleet Street, will be on show from 11am to 5pm on July 5 to help refurbish the parish hall.

Admission will be by programme, priced £2, which provides a list of gardens and a map. And just to be sure, those taking part will have butterflies displayed outside their homes.

Refreshments and plant sales will be available in several of the gardens and the parish hall, will also be open for plant sales, sponsored by Gardening World, Chorley New Road. Refreshments and programmes will be available too.

Programmes can also be bought in advance from Francy That, Winter Hey Lane, Gardening World, Image Hair Studio, Lee Lane and from Mary Yates on 01204 692164.

"The basic exercise is to enjoy fresh air and fellowship, but income for the parish hall project will be an acceptable spin-off," said Mrs Freda Hindle, whose garden at The Strand, will be open.

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