VILLAGERS open their garden gates for good cause - The neighbouring villages of Stottesdon and Chorley open their gardens – including the primary school garden – for National Gardens Scheme charities

The twin villages of Stottesdon and Chorley - joint winners of The Shropshire Star Village Gardens of the Year in 2012 - will be opening their gardens to the public on Saturday and Sunday in aid of NGS charities.

Twelve gardens of all shapes, sizes and styles will be open over the weekend - including the primary school garden that is run and managed by local children. The school garden will also feature many free activities for young children. There will also be a Planted Pot competition - judged by visitors - celebrating the Chinese Year of the Horse.

"This is a real community event and we spend the whole year organising it", explains Tina King, a member of the organising committee, "It is hard work but the weekend is very enjoyable and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our villages".

The villages are about three miles apart but share the same parish council and other community facilities. Visitors will be able to purchase one ticket (£5 for adults, free for children) to visit all 12 gardens in the villages. Teas and light refreshments will be served at Stottesdon Church and at Chorley village hall. All proceeds will go to NGS cancer and caring charities.

There is lots to see and do in Stottesdon and Chorley over the weekend and visitors are urged to support this enterprising village opening. The villages can be found between Bridgnorth and Cleobury Mortimer; look for the yellow NGS signs from the B4363. The opening is Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm.

There is wheelchair access to most areas but visitors will advised on routes on arrival. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Full details on these gardens can be found at www.ngs.org.uk - search Shropshire pages. Or follow Shropshire NGS on Twitter: @shropshireNGS.