COOMBE Trenchard Gardens played host to a number of open days throughout the summer, raising more than £4,500 for its nominated charities.

The gardens, at Lewtrenchard, have been open to the public on three occasions, offering the opportunity for members of the public to see the garden restoration project in progress.

The owners are now in their third year of the restoration project, and are looking forward to 2011 when they will be hosting an arts and crafts gardening festival and an open air Shakespeare theatre production.

Coombe Trenchard house and gardens will be open for additional charity events and are available for private group tours.