More than 800 people turned out to the open gardens event in Steeple Ashton, near Trowbridge, on Sunday in the summer sun, raising thousands for the village church preservation trust.

The 14 open gardens attracted hundreds of people on Sunday and raised more than £4,000 for the St Mary’s Preservation Trust to keep the church from falling into disrepair.

Funds, which are still being counted, were raised through the £4 admission for each visitor and the sales made from a plant stall and cream teas in one of the gardens opposite the church.

Organiser of the annual event, Gina Manning, of Dark Lane North, said: “The event went really extremely well.

“I think, we made thousands of pounds towards the preservation trust which pays for any repairs that need to be made to the church.

“The weather was fantastic which helped with the success of the day. We kept the admission price the same because we wanted everyone to come during these difficult times.

“I have been doing this since 1999 and I love doing it, although it is a lot of hard work.”

Keen gardener Terry Randall agreed that it had been a huge success.

He said: “I have a working garden with lawns and borders and it was a fantastic turnout.

“It was brilliant weather for it. It just couldn’t have been better.”