SOME of the finest gardens in Hanley Castle will be welcoming visitors over the bank holiday weekend for the annual open gardens event.

Twelve gardens will be taking part in the event, opening from noon until 5pm form Saturday to Monday, with refreshments served at various locations, including light lunches, delicious cream teas and Pimms.

Carol Hutchings, one of the organisers, said: "After our best yet last year, our confidence is sufficiently high to diversify and this year we have added both a flower festival in the church and a best-dressed scarecrow competition."

There will be gardening talks in the village church, plus a flower demonstration on the Sunday.

Tickets are £5 per adult and can be used on all three days, while children under 14 go free. The tickets are available from any participating garden and all proceeds to the Hanley churches.

To find out more, visit hanleyswan.net.