IT was a record year on three fronts for Hidden Gardens of Grayshott, which saw 36 open up for more than 15,000 visitors, raising a massive £15,000 to fund future community events.

In addition to all the gardens on offer, visitors could also see a working forge in action, meet their local firefighters, view craftspeople quilting and weaving, and ring the church bells.

Businesses supported the two-day event, with estate agents Warren Powell Richards sponsoring it and the Fox and Pelican sponsoring the prize for best-dressed shop window on a garden theme.

The competition was won jointly by butchers Kaighin and Daughter and Fiona Bayley of Pins and Needles.

Committee member Cheryl Jackson said: “Thanks go to the generous gardeners and to our visitors.

“It was quite a show and every single part was appreciated.

“Grayshott Pottery’s enchanting ceramic piggies delighted the children who hunted for them in every garden, hoping to win a piggy cup cake.

“The wider community came together as well, enabling this event to be such a success by baking cakes for the teas, volunteering to serve them and to sell tickets in the box office.

“They also donated delicious home-made preserves, fudge, mustard and other treats to the Made in Grayshott stall, and every visitor making a purchase was given a free eco-friendly ‘Grayshott Bag’ to highlight the misuse of plastic.

“To see the multitude of people wandering through the village, smiling and chatting, was heart warming.

“Grayshott is known as a village that punches above its weight and this hugely-vibrant occasion just goes to prove it.”