GREEN-FINGERED Jamie Campbell might only be one, but he has been helping his mum prepare the garden for an onslaught of visitors as villagers get ready to open to the public.

At least a dozen gardens in Westow, outside Malton, will be on show this weekend as residents join together to raise funds for St Mary's Church, in the village.

Even neighbours in the tiny hamlet of Menethorpe, close by, will be helping out with the fundraising effort.

Among the gardens opening on Sunday will be the grounds of Westow Croft, the former maternity home.

Jamie's mum, Katie, said: "Our house is called The Birches, after the Birch sisters who worked at the maternity home, so people will be able to come and see the old rose garden which they planted."

Many of the gardens will be open to visitors for the first time for the weekend's event, and it will only be the second time Westow has thrown open all its garden gates.

The afternoon gardens open from 2pm to 5pm and a combined ticket for all the sights costs £3, including a cup of tea.

Updated: 10:27 Wednesday, June 18, 2003