TWO large, long-established gardens will be open to the public as part of the National Gardens Scheme this weekend.

This year's final opening of the Moretonhampstead gardens, raising money for nursing charities, will take place on Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 6pm.

The gardens are both within walking distance of the town and dogs on leads are welcome.

Follow the yellow signs down to the bottom of Lime Street where the first garden, Mardon, is situated in a tree-lined valley with a view of the church tower.

Here, visitors will find a long herbaceous border, extensive lawns, granite terraces with borders of blue Agapanthas, a fernery beside a large pond complete with a thatched boathouse and, on a steep hillside behind the house, a recently planted arboretum with 60 specimen trees.

Sutton Mead, just up from Chagford Cross, is on higher ground with views of the distant moors. Paths wander through woodland and visitors can rest on seats beside granite lined ponds.

Croquet and cream teas with home made cakes will be on offer at both gardens as well as a plant sale at Sutton Mead.

Combined admission to the gardens is £4.50, children free.

Money raised goes to nursing and caring charities, and the NGS is the largest contributor to both Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Cancer Care.