AROUND 250 people visited Great Chalfield Manor on Sunday (February 10) to raise funds for the Dorothy House Hospice.

Local garden lovers attended the 11th annual Snowdrop Open Garden event in the winter sunshine.

A popular National Trust property, Great Chalfield Manor has been in the public eye since appearing in BBC TV dramas Poldark and Wolf Hall.

Yvonne Brunton, community fundraiser for Dorothy House Hospice Care, said: “Regardless of the weather people make the most of the opportunity to view the snowdrops in this incredible garden and support Dorothy House, even if it means wellies and umbrellas.“Our thanks to the generosity of Robert and Patsy Floyd for hosting the event for another year and to the National Trust for giving permission for this fundraising event during their busy calendar of events.”

The gardens are usually closed until early April so the event gives people a rare chance to visit during the winter months and see a fine display of snowdrops to usher in the first days of spring.

The Arts and Crafts garden and private chapel were both open and visitors were able to buy hot drinks and homemade cakes donated by Dorothy House volunteers.

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