HUNDREDS of people turned out for this year’s Devizes and Roundway In Bloom open garden event which raised more than £800.

The 16 people who opened their garden gates last weekend were very busy, having not only Wiltshire residents coming along, but also guests from the Twinning weekend.

The money raised will now go to Mayor Roger Giraud-Saunders three mayoral charities of the year The Devizes Budo Club, The Drews Pond Wood Project and The Devizes Almshouses.

Chairman of Devizes and Roundway In Bloom, Zena Robson, said: “In spite of a rotten forecast for it turned out to be very pleasant, I would like to give a massive thank you to everybody who turned out to trek the streets of Devizes and Roundway, visiting all our gardens and having a marvellous time.

“Some of the smaller gardens were stuffed to the rafters with people milling about, it was wonderful.

“We wait to hear the final total for the Mayor’s three Devizes based charities, but if it equals the monumental efforts of the open gardeners it will all have been worth it.”

Although the open garden weekend is non-competitive other parts of In Bloom are highly competitive.

Residents still have time to take part in four different categories: single hanging basket, single container, front garden and rear garden.

To enter for any or all of these categories, fill out an entry form by June 26, available from the Town Hall, or by calling 01380 722160 and speaking to Elanor Ode.

Judging will take place during the July and entrants will be contacted by a committee member beforehand.

Mrs Robson said the committee have been told that the South West In Bloom judges are due to visit Devizes on July 9.

She said: “This is a nail-biting time for all involved as this is Devizes against the world.

“This is the day when we must shine so we are asking residents, neighbourhood groups, schools and businesses alike to help us to show the place at its best as we want to win gold for a fifth time.”