AN open gardens weekend was held in Donhead St Andrew last weekend, raising more than £2,000 for the village church.

Fourteen gardens in the village were opened to visitors on June 21 and 22, and householders all offered stalls or activities.

People sold jams, marmalades and chutneys and bunches of garden flowers, and there was a fine wine raffle, guess the weight of the cake, duck racing and a treasure hunt.

There was also a talk by a horticulturalist on unusual herbaceous perennials.

More than 220 visitors went along to the event, which was organised by a team of 60 Donhead St Andrew villagers.

Two thousand pounds was raised for the St Andrew’s Church development appeal, bringing the total raised to date to £131,000.

The next fundraiser will be a ferret racing and family fun event on July 26.

Sixteen top Wiltshire ferrets will be racing against each other and there will be a chance to meet the ferrets and learn about their lives and habits. There will also be a disco, a barbecue and a bar.

For tickets, visit Ludwell Village Stores or contact Elizabeth Campbell on 01747 828201 or Jane Hill on 01747 828279.