THE SUN could not have shone any brighter for the annual Open Gardens Day Trail on Saturday, July 31, held in aid of The Children's Society.

The interest generated this year was incredible, with 14 gardens open as well as the unique Sully Terrace allotments.

Some 700 visitors were able to enjoy a huge variety of shrubs, trees, plants and flowers, some in a courtyard setting, or cottage, from designer to terraced, and there was much "oohing and aahing".

Garden enthusiasts were able to exchange tips and information while having tea or coffee, determined to go home and revamp or perhaps replant their various plots of land.

Each garden had something different to offer; At 77 Coleridge Avenue, Diana Mead had an art exhibition, as did Anne Adney at 123 Westbourne Road, together with a miniature house exhibition.

There were many excellent plants for sale, plus hand-made cards, home-made jams, chutneys and cakes. Youngest helper, 12-year-old Victoria Payne had come all the way from Cheshire.

People came from far and wide, including Dorset, Somerset, Radnor, Haverfordwest, Swansea, Hereford and Berkshire.

Everyone involved in opening and helping in the gardens enjoyed the visitors, and the atmosphere was like a big garden party.

Penarth Fund-raising chairman, Ann Lush, said: "Many appreciative thanks go to Mr and Mrs Alan Dobbins, Mr and Mrs M Lamb, Mrs Diana Mead, Mrs Linda Davies, Rev R Donkin, Mr and Mrs H Palmer, Mr and Mrs V Williams, Mrs J Jones Bishop, Mrs Louise Sawyer, Miss Freda Welch, Mrs Anne Adney, Mr M Cobley, Mr D Shewring, The Sully Terrace Allotments Association, plus all the helpers on the day.

"Our thanks also to Paul Knight and particularly to the Penarth Times for the excellent publicity."

This event is now well established, and everyone is already looking forward to July 30, 2005.

The magnificent sum of £4,100.05p was raised for The Children's Society, a record amount.