AROUND a dozen private gardens in the the Knowle Green, near Blackburn, will open to the public for the first time this summer.

It is hoped the event on July 14 and 15 will attract from all over the county to raise funds for repairs at the village hall.

Eight gardens have been put forward and it is hoped a few more residents will volunteer to open their gardens. The village hall has recently undergone a £116,000 refurbishment thanks to a Lottery grant but repairs to the car park and other small building jobs were not included in the grant scheme.

"We are getting together a programme with maps showing where the open gardens can be found," said village hall chairman Peter Morgan.

"As well as gifted gardeners, we also have several gifted artists living nearby who are going to sell their work on an arts and crafts stall.

"There will also be a home produce stall selling locally grown items."

The village hall committee is also busy organising other fundraising events.

Mr Morgan is opening his home to host a Sunday lunch and tickets costing £10 are on sale. Details from him 01254 878293.

On February 17, the Houghton Weavers return visit to the Centenaries Theatre, Stonyhurst. Tickets £10 from village hall secretary Jean Proctor on 01254 878447.