MEMBERS of Pike Hills Golf Club in York will be using their driving and putting skills to raise money for the city's St Leonard's Hospice.

The club's annual Hospice Day golf tournament takes place on Thursday.

The event, which the club has been holding annually for more than a decade in aid of St Leonard's, attracts players from all over Yorkshire, who compete in teams of four.

Their entry fees, as well as proceeds from a raffle and auction, go towards the total that the club will present to the hospice.

Over the last six years the Hospice Day has raised more than £30,000 for St Leonard's.

Martyn Callaghan, chief executive of St Leonard's, said: "Since In joined the Hospice in May people told me about Pike Hills Hospice Golf Day and the fantastic sums the members raise for us.

"We are really grateful for their enthusiasm, and for their continued support for our work of caring for local people."

Meanwhile, York gardener Libby Harper is hard at work preparing to open her colourful garden to the public the following Sunday, August 10, in aid of the hospice.

The garden, at 'Tara' in Hodgson Lane, Upper Poppleton, promises to have something for everyone, including a Japanese-inspired area.

There will be stalls, including a plant stall, and a tombola in the garden. Refreshments will also be available.

The garden is open from 11am to 4pm and entry costs £2.

Libby is a volunteer at the St Leonard's Hospice shop in Acomb, and her open garden has been organised with the help of the Hospice's Acomb Support Group.

Janet Morley, fundraising manager at St Leonard's, said: "It's always fascinating to have the chance to see other people's gardens, and I know there will be plenty of ideas to be gained from Libby's, as well as a great deal of enjoyment. We are very grateful to her for opening her garden on behalf of St Leonard's."

Updated: 09:44 Friday, August 01, 2003