A record crowd of keen gardeners raised over £1,000 by visiting the annual Plant Hunter's Fair near Oswestry at the weekend.

The British Ironwork Centre once again hosted the event, which is now in its fourth year and helps to raise funds for the local Hope House Children's Hospice.

There was an unprecedented amount of support and the event was a tremendous success raising £1,025 from the £1 entrance donation.

Hope House area fundraiser Lynsey Kilvert said: “Thank you so much for allowing us to collect donations on the gate. We raised just over £1025!Amazing!

"Thanks to everyone that donated."

The centre played host to the some of the most highly respected nurseries in the country as well as small specialist growers such as Hillview Hardy Plants, Hall Farm Nursery, the Gobbett and many more.

They also welcomed Dr. Steve Reynolds, one of the region’s expert on plant problems, who focussed on offering advice about plant diseases and health issues, how to combat bugs and more, plus Allison Walter from the national open garden scheme, who are actively looking for more garden enthusiasts to open up their gardens to the public.

Other attractions included Shropshire Wildlife Trust and live music from singer-songwriter Max Hixon.

Organiser Martin Blow commented: “We really want to thank Clive Knowles and all his team at the centre for being such wonderful hosts and the enthusiastic Hope House volunteers for giving such a warm welcome to the visitors.

"Above all we want to thank the generous plant lovers who came along and supported the event."

Martin added that they hope to raise even more than the Plant Hunters' Fair returns to the BIC on Sunday, July 29.