PEOPLE across East Lancashire are being urged to visit a private garden this weekend, as part of the National Garden Scheme’s 48-hour garden festival in aid of Marie Curie and other charities.

The NGS Festival Weekend aims to get the nation enjoying the best of British gardens while raising funds for charities including Marie Curie.

There are more than 500 private gardens opening their gates to the public across the country.

Open this weekend is Mill Barn Garden in Samlesbury – a tranquil terraced garden on the banks for the River Darwen. The garden is open from 1pm to 5pm both days with admission £4.

The garden features a 20 metre suspension bridge over the river, a grotto and a tower.

The very special garden at Montford Cottage in Fence-in-Pendle is being opened by Craig Bullock and Tony Morris for the very last time Since 1996, NGS has raised £6.9m for Marie Curie making them the charity’s largest single annual donor.

Lucy Leeming, Community Fundrasier says: “Funds raised from the National Garden Scheme Festival Weekend will help Marie Curie to provide more free care to people with terminal illnesses, as well as emotional support for their families.”