DOROTHY House Hospice raised more than £2,600 from its 10th annual Snowdrop Open Garden charity event at Great Chalfield Manor, but there were problems with traffic and parking.

This year’s open day was marred by bridge repair works, which blocked one of the main access roads from the B3109 and Little Chalfield.

And the traffic problems were further compounded by some of the people who attended partially blocking the roads by parking their vehicles on the grass verges.

Diversion signs were put out directing drivers to approach by the other access road from the B3107 and Leigh Road past the Merkins Farm Café.

Yvonne Brunton, community fundraiser for Dorothy House Hospice Care, said the event was extremely successful despite the problems.

“The lanes around Great Chalfield Manor were extremely busy at times on Sunday, which is not surprising with over 330 people attending the event.

“Our volunteer marshals coped well with the traffic throughout most of the afternoon but we apologise if anyone experienced delays at peak times.”

Last year, nearly 400 people visited and raised more than £2,400 to support the work of the hospice. This year, 338 people attended and more than £2,600 was raised.

Great Chalfield Manor owners, Robert and Patsy Floyd, opened their Arts and Crafts garden and private chapel for two hours for the event.

It gives local people a rare chance to visit the National Trust-managed property and garden during the winter months and see its fine display of snowdrops, which usher in the first days of spring.