SUMMER sunshine greeted flower-lovers visiting an acre of beautiful Worcestershire garden at the weekend.

Woodmancote, in Wadborough, near Pershore, opened its gates to the public yesterday as part of the National Gardens Scheme.

More than 40 visitors toured the grounds, owned and maintained by Ian and Ila Walmsley.

"It's the first time we've opened this year but we've been opening three times a year for the past 10 years," said Mr Walmsley.

He added that visitors had enjoyed the garden's variety of flowers, including iris and ceanothus, as well as a "pretty spectacular" Judas tree.

The national programme of garden openings generated more than £1.8m for charity last year, accumulating around £20m in donations since the scheme began in 1927.