Kempsey's keen gardeners are celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee year in style.

Pride of place in all of the 19 stunning gardens they are throwing open to the public will be a Jubilee rose.

"We have all planted a Jubilee rose this year and are desperately trying to hold the blooms back until the weekend," said Glenys Weaver, who is organising the Kempsey Walkabout, which takes place this Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14.

"The walkabout started three years ago and we raised more than £1,400 last year," added Mrs Weaver. "Visitors came from as far away as Canada.

"We hope the Jubilee event will be even bigger and better because it is in aid of the Acorns Trust and for village charities."

Three or four new gardens will be among those opening their gates to the public this year, including Mrs Weaver's in Old Road North. She and her husband Peter have installed decking over a marshy area next to the Hatfield Brook and set down stepping stones in the water.

Another couple who have incorporated the brook into their garden are Janet and Richard Alsop, of Squires Close. They, too, have been busy perfecting their garden for the walkabout weekend.

"We opened our garden last year and had lots of nice comments," said Richard, who has planted the area with unusual shrubs and trees, added a large patio area and renovated a bridge over the Hatfield Brook.

"We have all worked very hard to get our gardens into shape," he added. "I hope lots of people will come and help raise funds for charity."

The starting point for the weekend is at the recreation ground car park in Plovers Rise, off the A38, where visitors pay a small entrance fee in return for a map. The gardens are open from 11.30am to 5pm on Saturday, July 13, and from 12.30pm until 5pm on Sunday, July 14.

Refreshments will be available at the Parish Hall and for more information contact Mrs Weaver on 01905 821842.