KEEN gardener Tom Metcalf opened his garden to the public for the first time on Sunday as part of the regular Riccall open gardens event in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice, in York.

Tom’s garden mixes old and new, with both cultivated and wild areas and a pond and waterfall. Since he moved in four years ago, he has carried out major reconstruction work.

He was persuaded to put his garden on show by open gardens organiser Karen O’Hara, who noticed it when visiting his neighbour.

Janet Morley, director of fundraising at the hospice, said: “We are delighted that once again our very active support group in Riccall opened their gardens to the public. It’s always a great day.”