Two green-fingered supporters of York’s St Leonard’s Hospice have hung up their trowels after many years of opening their garden and holding plant sales that have raised thousands of pounds for the charity.

Sheila and Arthur Markwick, of Albion Avenue in Acomb, opened their garden each year to raise funds for the hospice until 2006, when they changed to offering plants for sale instead. Sheila said: “We’ve been pleased to support the hospice for all these years but we thought it was time to stop, as we’re not getting any younger.”

Janet Morley, director of fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, said: “Sheila and Arthur have been stalwart supporters of St Leonard’s and they have had a loyal following for the garden openings and for their high-quality plants. “We are very grateful for all their hard work over the years, and we wish them a happy ‘retirement’ – if their garden lets them retire!”