A COUPLE who have raised more than £8,000 for charity by opening up their award-winning garden to the public are doing the same again this year.

Maureen Keating and her partner Mark Hacker are inviting people to an afternoon enjoying the sunshine in their garden in Barkingside this Sunday (July 31) to raise money for Saint Francis Hospice in Romford.

The 69-year-old and 71-year-old have no professional help looking after their garden, which boasts seven water features, a stream and a model village and railway.

Their efforts saw them through to the final four of the Daily Mail garden competition in 2014, beating 1,797 others across the country.

Ms Keating said: “So far over the years we have raised over £8,000 for our local hospice with this event.

“We’re hoping for lots of visitors this year – it’s a lovely afternoon and great way to raise money for a good cause at the same time.”

The garden will be open from 12.30pm to 5pm at 254 Ashurst Drive, Barkingside this Sunday, July 31. Entry is £2.50 per person.