A mother who wanted to be a florist when she was younger is opening her impressive garden up for charity.

Helen Auty has been holding open events at her home in Cheyne Avenue, South Woodford, for five years, with this year's event taking place on July 8.

She is inviting neighbours to a day of tea, cake and gardening tips as part of the National Garden Scheme, from 12pm to 4pm.

She said: "I really enjoy taking part - it's always a lovely day out and I like meeting people."

The mother-of-three’s garden sits on the original site of Lord Cheyne’s market garden and her house was the first to be built in Cheyne Avenue in 1926.

She has been working on the garden since she moved in around 26 years ago, with the help of her gardener, Barry.

Her garden features a range of impressive shrubs, from a rose arch to a grape vine and an apple tree to a plum tree.

The National Garden Scheme supports charities including the Queen's Nursing Institute to Macmillan Cancer.

Mrs Auty lives at 46 Cheyne Avenue, South Woodford. The open garden is on July 8 from 12pm to 5pm.

She will be offering tea and cake on the day.