A SMALL community with a big heart has raised over £3,000 for a Pembrokeshire charity through its Open Gardens Afternoon.

The village of Manorbier Newton has adopted Pembrokeshire’s palliative care centre, Shalom House at St Davids, as the focus of its fundraising over several years, and so residents were delighted to be able to hand over the grand total of £3,153 from the recent afternoon event.

“Our village has never been so busy!” said resident Cheryl Hewitt, on behalf of the fundraisers. “The community spirit, often lacking in some villages, was at its peak on the day.

“We had youngsters and the elderly all playing their part in helping the afternoon to run smoothly - from car park attendants to washing up. We also had help from the local Young Farmers’ Club.”

Seven different gardens in the village opened their gates for the event, which also featured a wild flower meadow walk, a variety of stalls, a vintage machinery display and afternoon teas.

The dry, sunny weather encouraged local people and holidaymakers to go along to show their support, and admire the features of the varied gardens which included pools, streams, rockeries, vegetable patches and colourful borders.

Added Cheryl: "It is hard work planning and implementing this event, but the rewards of happy faces, people chatting and raising money for a super charity make it all worthwhile.

“Thank you from all the residents of Manorbier Newton to all who came and all who gave their time to help and local businesses, large and small, and many individuals who gave generous donations of raffle prizes.”