Hundreds of visitors are set to descend on a village straddling the Suffolk/Essex border for a popular open gardens event this month.

More than 15 gardens will be open to visitors in Bures on Saturday, May 26, and Sunday, May 27, with some exhibiting for the very first time.

The popular event attracted around 500 people over the two days last year to admire gardeners’ handy work.

Many of the gardens on display are within easy walking distance of the village centre and they will be open from 1pm-6pm on both days at the event – which is now in its 33rd year.

This year’s event will feature a dragon theme.

Ken Jackson, open gardens team leader, said: “As always, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the village and there will be plenty for them to see and do.

“Other attractions will include lunches on Bures Common (weather permitting), cream teas, an art display, cake and book stalls in the church and plant sales in some gardens.

“And a footpath map will be available to guide visitors towards the Bures Dragon.”

Among the gardens on display at the event will be Bures Mill, owned by Elizabeth and Nick Temple, which has many fascinating features and is based not far from the village centre.

The couple, who are medical consultants, own land around the mill where a flock of Hebridean sheep graze.

They also have a small farm further up the valley near to Daws Hall.

Also exhibiting this year is Highfields Farm, near Ager Fen, where Diana Ineson breeds speciality chickens and has a splendid large and varied garden.

There will also be two art exhibitions – at the church and in Nayland Road – which people can visit as well as a display of chickenwire sculptures at Fenn Barn in Mount Bures.

Tickets for the event cost £5 per person (under 16s free), and are available from the church and all participating gardens during the weekend.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from the village post office and cover all gardens on both days.

Proceeds from the popular event will be shared between St Mary’s Church in the village and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust.