A GREEN-FINGERED couple are opening their beautiful gardens up to the public as part of a special nationwide scheme.

Glenda and Graham Ostick are taking part in the National Garden Scheme open weekend, on Sunday May 3 and Monday May 4, at their Bolton Road, Bradshaw home.

Gardening enthusiasts will be able to see, up close, the lovely spring flowers and blossom while enjoying cream teas and buying from the plant stalls.

Mr Ostick, a former surgeon, and his wife are hoping for fine weather and plenty of visitors.

"It is a lovely day out," said Mrs Ostick.

The gardens boast ponds, a wild section, herbaceous borders and various shrubs and plants and all money raised will benefit local charities which, in the past, have included women's refuge Fortalice and Bolton Hospice.

This year the Royal Bolton Hospital's neo natal unit will benefit from the open days.

Admission is £2.50 for adults and children are admitted free.

The couple's home — Bridge House — will be well sign-posted during the weekend to help visitors find the venue.

Since its foundation, the National Gardens Scheme has donated over £45 million to nominated beneficiaries, of which nearly £23 million has been donated within the last ten years.

Charities to benefit from the scheme include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Hospice UK, and the Carers Trust