AN OPEN garden event hosted by Freshwater Bay Residents' Association has raised £1,500 towards the West Wight Sports and Community Centre's 'extend our gym' fundraising project.

The Isle of Wight sports centre is currently raising £150,000 to extend the gym by 50 per cent.

Six keen Freshwater Bay gardeners opened their gardens to the public in return for a small donation with another two properties selling refreshments.

Judith Hunt, association chair, said: "With the weather on our side and six stunning Freshwater Bay gardens open to the public a wonderful day was had by locals and visitors alike.

"It was rewarding to share gardening hints and tips with fellow green fingered enthusiasts and know that we were also supporting our local sports and community centre with their latest venture."

The cheque was presented to Clare Griffin, WWSCC manager who said: "While it seems like we need to raise a lot of money to extend our gym, this donation from the Residents’ Association actually contributes one per cent of the amount we need.

"I want to thank all those who took part in the open gardens event and can assure them the money will be put to good use in their community."

Gardens opened to the public were Baker’s Farm House, Gate Lane (Jane and Kirk Wolley Dod), Havelock House, Gate Lane (James and Dorothy Day, Alan Sheward), Gull Cottage, Blackbridge Road (Terry and Owen Butchers), Treberren, Blackbridge Road (Sheila and Roger Spivey), Well Close, Blackbridge Road (Judith and Sandy Hunt), and Japonica Lodge Victoria Road (Felicity and Michael Wareham).

To help, or find out more, follow the links to 'extend our gym' at www.westwight.org.uk, or contact the centre on 752168.