FLOWERBEDS and colourful cottage gardens in a picture postcard Worcestershire hamlet will be opened to the public this weekend.

Eight residents of Uphampton, near Ombersley, have been preparing for the open day, which is held annually on the first Sunday in June, and this year falls on the anniversary of D-Day, June 6.

The event began as a small attraction when it was launched in 1988, but has since grown into a major fund-raising event attracting hundreds of visitors from across the county.

A total of £27,000 has been collected for charity in the past and this year the money will be given to St Richard's Hospice, in Rose Hill, off London Road, Worcester.

"A colourful mix of flowers and shrubs is expected to give a splendid show in a variety of cottage gardens," said Peter Lea, from the Uphampton Preservation Society.

"Some are set against a backdrop of black and white, half-timbered buildings dating back to Elizabethan times and all gardens are near each other so there is no major walking involved - a bonus to any person with mobility problems."

There will be teas and cakes served in the old farmyard of Uphampton House and a plant stall will also be on offer.

For the first time in the event's 15-year history there will also be a series of postcards, featuring black-and-white cottages and scenes from the hamlet.

An entrance fee of £4 gives visitors access to all eight gardens between 1.30pm and 5.30pm on Sunday.