ABBEY House Gardens in Malmesbury has started its new season by raising £1,200 for charity.

A special day was held at the gardens on Saturday with all entrance money going to the National Gardens Scheme, a charitable organisation that supports Macmillan Cancer Relief, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Help the Hospice among others.

Barbara Pollard and her husband Ian have created the gardens over the last eight-and-a-half years.

Mrs Pollard said she was thrilled with the total raised.

"The day was a great success," she said. "We have enjoyed some wonderful publicity over the last six months creating a great sense of anticipation and with a beautiful sunny spring day to enjoy the visitors poured in."

The five-acre tourist hotspot beside the abbey in the centre of town attracted 50,000 visitors last year.