KEEN gardener Brian Till put on a brave face when he was persuaded to do a spot of nude gardening for the benefit of members of the Bemerton Flower Arranging Club.

Wearing just a fig leaf and a pair of tights to hide his modesty, Brian put on his special one-man show to help make up for the disappointment club members had when their outing to Abbey House Gardens, near Malmesbury, was hit by rain.

The Abbey House gardens, which have been featured on television and radio, are famous because owners Barbara and Ian Pollard garden in the nude - except for the day when Bemerton flower arrangers visited, and rain meant everyone was wearing raincoats.

Brian's wife, Doreen, who is treasurer of the club, decided they should make up for the disappointment when she and Brian opened their own garden in Salisbury, as part of the club's efforts to raise money for the Ace of Hearts appeal.

Brian and Doreen held a strawberry and cream tea afternoon, during which Brian - the Naked - made a brief, but well-received, appearance.

The afternoon, together with other fundraising events staged by members since January, helped raise £1,000 for the appeal, which is run for Salisbury District Hospital by Share.

Events have included a car boot sale organised by Jean and Brian Trevis and Mary Easter and a finger supper in the garden of Elsie and John Smith.

Fundraising director for Share Carol Taylor said the good-humoured idea was described to her when she visited the club last week to receive the cheque from members.

"Everyone thought it was hilarious," she said.

"Our thanks go to all the club members for their tremendous effort, and in particular to Brian for his bravery."