This weekend Cerne Abbas celebrates 40 years of opening many of its private gardens in order to raise money.

With the exception of two years, Open Gardens has taken place every year since the event started in 1984 when the proceeds were used to fund work on the church bells.

From 1989 the proceeds have been divided between a cause inside the village and another outside. This year they will go to the village Young People’s Trust and Future Roots, a Dorset charity supporting children with complex learning needs and retired agricultural workers.

A total of 25 gardens will be open, varying from the Arts and Crafts garden at Barnwells, through wildlife friendly gardens and gardens designed by a Chelsea medal winner. The gardens are open from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22. See www.cerneabbasopengardens.org.uk for further information.