A NUMBER of beautifully-manicured gardens will be opened to the public to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief, Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Queen's Nursing Institute.

As part of the National Gardens Scheme, four gardens will throw open their gates in September. They include a two-acre garden, including herbaceous and shrub beds, at White Cottage, Stock Green, near Inkberrow, on September 2, 3, 16, and 17, from 10am to 5pm. Admission will be £2 for adults, £1.50 concessions and free for children.

On Wednesday, September 6, the gardens at 5 and 6 Beckett Drive, Northwick, Worcester, will be open from 6pm to 9pm. On show will be a mix of plants, sculptures and water features. Admission will be £4. The three-acre period garden at Barnards Green House, at 10 Poolbrook Road, Malvern, will be open from 2pm to 6pm on September 7, 14 and 21 as well as on September 26, 27 and 28 for a plant sale. Entry will be £3 and free for children.

A three-acre garden at Shuttifield Cottage, Birchwood, Storridge, near Malvern, will be open from 1pm to 6pm on September 16. There is also a 20-acre wood and a small deer park.