An open gardens event in Bury St Edmunds that has become a popular fixture in people’s calendars is thought to have raised about £2,000 for a hospice charity.

Moreton Hall open gardens, which was held on Sunday, saw 22 gardens open to the public, with the event including table-top sales, the sale of plants and jazz on the lawn at the community centre. The fundraiser, which is now in its third year, is organised by Jess Darnell and Lucy Newell, who own the Coffee House at Moreton Hall, as well as one at Ixworth. The event heralded the start of their fundraising efforts as part of St Nicholas’ Hospice Care’s accumulator challenge.

Ms Newell said the money raised from the open gardens was probably heading towards £2,000.

“It’s fantastic how it’s just turned into a community event now and everyone talks about it.”

She said Ms Darnell’s father had died at the hospice in 2010, and quite a few of their customers were currently undergoing treatment for cancer.