HUNDREDS of people braved the wind and rain and flocked to the flower fair and auction at Hergest Croft Gardens.

Many others from far and away stayed at home and followed proceeds via their websites.

Between them they paid out more than £11,000 to help the Macmillan Renton Cancer Appeal for a new cancer unit at Hereford County Hospital.

Organisers of the event at the home of Lawrence and Elizabeth Banks had listed garden related goods for auction and there were enthusiastic bidders from a wide group of people.

The top amount paid was £4,500 , it came from far afield and bought a garden consultation by Monty Don, presenter of BBC's Gardener's World plus £1,000 worth of plants.

More good prices were paid for a garden tour at the residence of the Foreign Secretary at Chevening in Kent and exclusive access to the Chelsea Flower Show when the public are not admitted.