THE Friends of Saint Mary’s Church in Cleobury Mortimer are staging an open garden trail on Sunday.

Greenfingered residents of Cleobury Mortimer are busily preparing for the town’s fourth Open Garden Trail.

This is a garden trail that winds its way around a number of private gardens in Cleobury Mortimer all within comfortable walking distance of each other.

The event will provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the hidden gardens of the picturesque Shropshire market town – which also boasts a famously crooked steeple and a prize-winning brewery amongst its attractions.

All manner of horticultural havens will be open to view. Cottage gardens, secret gardens, sloping gardens, gardens with hidden and unexpected views, gardens welcoming wildlife.

In all 10 garden gates will be flung wide, raising funds for St. Mary’s – the church holding that twisted spire aloft – and for the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust, which supports other similarly historic churches in the county.

It is organised by The Friends of Saint Mary’s who say that they are amazed by how successful the trails have been – last year it ran out of programmes!

Gardeners have been working to try to make sure that their gardens look their best.

Tickets (£5, accompanied children free) in the form of an event programme and map, can be purchased from the town’s Pharmacy, Library and Spire Hairdressing beforehand, or in the Church on the day.

The trail is open from 12 noon until 4pm. Parking is free in Cleobury Mortimer and afternoon teas will be served in the church.