SECRET gardeners opened their doors to the public over the weekend while raising cash for charity.

Visitors were invited to look around a series of private gardens in Harwich on Saturday and Sunday.

Harwich Secret Gardens organiser Frances Vincent, from Helen’s Green, said it was a great weekend.

“The sun shone on the gardens of Harwich for two days and attracted over 600 visitors - a record number,” she said.

“The fantastic weekend was only made possible by the generosity of the gardeners of Harwich who invited visitors into their gardens and in some cases their homes.

“Everyone had made such a terrific effort for their visitors.

“Thank you to all the supporters including the Harwich Visitors Centre, St Nicholas and the Deli 141 for selling the entrance books.

“There was a real buzz in the town, renewing old acquaintances and meeting new people.

“Many had travelled from outside the town and we had overseas visitors from USA and Australia.

“Everyone was so complimentary about the gardens and how welcome they were made to feel.”

“It just shows what can be done with such a community spirit.”

All the money raised from the event will go to local charities.

Four gardens in Harwich will also open to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme on July 17.

It will include gardens in St Helen’s Green, Kings Head Street and Quayside Court.

For more information, visit ngs.org.uk.