ST Michael's Hospice has benefited by nearly £32,000 from the activities of its Friends in the Kingsland area.

The group, under the chairmanship of Bridget Eastaugh, has been raising the cash since 1992 and about three years ago was joined by Friends with the same interest from neighbouring Eardisland.

Next weekend, June 18 and 19, they will be staging their latest ambitious fund-raiser, the opening of 13 local gardens coupled with a concert by Hereford Rail Male Choir.

Because the church and other groups in the village are giving help, proceeds will be shared between the hospice and St Michael's Church in Kingsland.

Encouraging people to visit the gardens, Mrs Eastaugh pointed out that Sunday was Father's Day and she invited fathers to take the day off from mowing their own lawns to go and see how others mowed theirs.

The weekend will provide a horticultural and musical treat with nine gardens open in Kingsland and four in The Brook area, between 10am and 5pm.

The concert on Saturday evening by Hereford Rail Male Choir is in the church starting at 7.30pm and will include many old favourites as well as new songs.

Throughout the weekend, refreshments, including a ploughman's lunch, will be served in the church.