A DORSET care home has raised hundreds of pounds to help take families in the area out of hardship.

Colten Care’s Brook View care home in West Moors held two garden open days as part of the home’s ongoing annual involvement in the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

More than 70 visitors joined Brook View residents on the two open days, admiring the wide variety of plants and flowers on show in the home’s gardens.

Admission charges, donations and proceeds from the sale of plants and craft items made by residents together raised more than £700.

£168 will go towards NGS charities with £534 going to Stronger Together Across Ringwood and Fordingbridge (STARF), the home’s main nominated community cause for this year.

Colten Care’s Brook View opens its gardens to the public under the National Garden Scheme Picture: Colten Care

STARF is a group of volunteers from the two towns who co-ordinate funding and support for families and individuals living with poverty, debt worries and mental health issues.

The garden experience featured the opportunity to sit down for afternoon tea and cakes prepared and baked by Brook View chefs.

The tasty treats included carrot cake, Victoria sponge, fresh eclairs and blueberry muffins made specially with blueberries grown in the garden.

Picture: Colten Care

There was live music too courtesy of accordionist Debbie Murphy on the first day and pianist Kevin Pritchard, a member of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, on the second.

Brook View companionship team leader Lauren Parrett said: “It was a joy to open our beautiful gardens to the public once again, all in aid of charity.

“Our gardeners have been working tirelessly throughout the year to produce a wonderful and peaceful space for our residents, relatives and community to enjoy.

“Residents were proud to show off projects they have been working on such as outdoor decorations, hedgehog homes and hanging lanterns made in arts and crafts sessions.

“These items were set up on our craft stall where we sold them to raise funds for our charity.”

Picture: Colten Care

Mary Angus, an assistant county organiser for the NGS in southeast Dorset, who was among the visitors, said: “When I get to be in a home, I wish I can come to a home like this. The atmosphere is incredibly warm and friendly.”

Brook View resident Rosa Leicester said: “The weekend was wonderful, there was something for everyone.”

The NGS gives members of the public unique access to more than 3,500 exceptional private gardens each year.

Admission charges, donations and proceeds from afternoon tea and cake sales help raise millions of pounds for nursing and health charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Hospice UK.

As well as Brook View, Colten Care’s Woodpeckers home in Brockenhurst, Hampshire, is taking part this year with open days on August 31 and September 1.

For more information on NGS garden openings, visit www.ngs.org.uk. For more details about STARF, visit www.starf.uk.