GREEN-fingered Kidderminster residents are hoping to raise more than £2,000 for Operation Covert by inviting keen horticulturists into their gardens.

A total of 10 homes from throughout the town will open to the public this summer, with proceeds from ticket sales and a raffle going to our appeal.

The homes, which belong to members of Kidderminster Horticultural Society, will open on June 26 and promise a feast of colour, said organiser, Sue Cooke.

She explained: "We have been opening now for 15 years and have raised a considerable amount of money for other charities. I would say we have raised in excess of £10,000 already.

"We always go for a local charity. We have raised money for Kemp Hospice and Wyre Forest Talking Newspaper in past years."

The openings usually raised between £2,000 and £2,500 as gardeners flocked to see the stunning efforts of some of Wyre Forest's finest horticulturists.

Between 200 and 300 people usually visit the homes, which are all covered by one ticket and include allotments.

She said: "It is a busy day and is very much a social event."

Speaking about our £80,000 drive to rebuild the Scout centre at Rhydd Covert, Mrs Cooke said: "It is good to look after young people. There is not enough for them to do sometimes so anything like the Scouts is good for them."

Visitors from Kidderminster's twin town, Husum in Germany, will be among the hundreds expected to support the appeal by viewing the gardens, she said.

Tickets go on sale later this month.

For more information visit www.horticultural.org.uk or call Sue Cooke on 01562 631001.