Japanese-style garden open to visitors

Retired doctors Marilyn and Bill Hammerton, from Bridgnorth, have welcomed visitors to raise funds for charity for the last eight years. Last year they hit £1,600.

Mrs Hammerton, aged 69, said: "It's a lot of work, my husband helps me sometimes with the heavier stuff. Otherwise I do it all myself. We've lived here since 1981, and in 2001 we went to Japan and we were really inspired by the gardens there and my husband wanted a tea house so we made a Japanese garden around it.

"It's a bit of a fusion garden really as it has Chinese elements, too.

"It's very therapeutic and relaxing. People are recognising the health benefits of gardening now. Last year we raised £1,600 for the National Garden Scheme and the first year we raised £600, between then it has been around £1,000 each year. Next year, our 10th year, will be my last."

Number eight, Westgate Villas in Bridgnorth, will be open to the public tomorrow from 7pm to 9.30pm, and there will be wine and a violinist performing.

The garden will also be open on Sunday from 2pm to 5.30pm.