AN EARLY morning thunder and lightning storm failed to dampen the enthusiasm of visitors to the Bradford on Avon Secret Gardens open day.

In the gloriously sunny weather that followed, visitors came out in their scores to visit 13 secret gardens spread throughout the town that opened their gates to the public.

David Moss, the owner of one of the hidden treasures, said he’d received a steady stream of visitors to his garden just off St Margaret Street on Sunday.

“When we saw the thunderstorm this morning, we weren’t sure we would get any visitors but we’ve had a steady stream of them. I stopped counting after the first 50.”

Thirteen owners opened up their gardens in the scheme. Proceeds will go to a local charity nominated by the garden owners.

Some - like Woolley Grange Hotel - offered cream teas, cakes and refreshments to their visitors.

The next secret gardens open day is on Sunday, June 24, from 2pm to 6pm. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome at garden owners’ discretion.Tickets £6 per day, under 14s free, from Made in Heaven in Lamb’s Yard or on entrance to the gardens. Parking is available in town centre car parks.