GREENFINGERED residents of Cleobury Mortimer are busily preparing for the town's third Open Garden Trail on July 17.

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 11 garden gates will be flung wide, raising funds for St Mary's and for the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust, which supports other similarly historic churches in the county.

Organised by the Friends of Saint Mary's Cleobury Mortimer, their chairman, Alec Osbaldiston, said 'This is our third garden trail and we've always been amazed by how successful they are – last year we ran out of programmes. Visitors come from all over. From as far away as Monmouth and Welshpool and Llandrindod Wells, and, of course, lots from the West Midlands. We look forward to welcoming them. We've printed extra programmes and we're keeping our fingers crossed for good weather.'

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 noon until 4pm. Parking is free and afternoon teas will be served in the church.