MORE than 700 gardening enthusiasts helped raise over £7,000 towards the Church of the Holy Cross funds in Seend during the weekend.

They all visited up to 13 gardens in the village, which stretches along the A361, as part of an open gardens event on Saturday and Sunday.

Tina Yockney, a lay pastor assistant and former church warden, said: "The event has been very successful.

"It went very well and we were actually quite surprised by all those who turned up because we are not part of the National Garden Scheme."

Around 730 people, including adults and children, visited the gardens, which ranged from Amanda and Stephen Clark's12-acre ornate gardens at Seend Manor to John Tilley's vegetable garden at The Lye.

Some of the gardens in Seend High Street did not take part in this year's event, which is usually held in the second weekend in June.

Up to 12 gardens and a courtyard were open to visitors from 1pm to 6pm and the Church of the Holy Cross was also opened to the public.

Tickets cost £10 per person and accompanied children under 16 years were given free admission.

Most visitors took advantage of the free parking available on The Lye field and cream teas and home-made cakes were on offer at The Pavilion.

Some of the gardens open had restricted wheelchair access for visitors with disabilities.

Mrs Yockney said: "All proceeds will go towards the Seend Church funds.

"We are still paying for several recent improvements, including a new kitchen and toilet, a newly-painted face for the church clock and the restoration of the church organ."