The Wheathampstead couple behind the first ever Herts Air Ambulance summer of open gardens say they’re happy the flagship event has started out a blooming success.

Herts Air Ambulance volunteers Keith and Carol Tizard planned the event, at the Bride Hall Estate, for years.

More than 350 visitors enjoyed the day out, the charity’s flagship garden, with cream teas and refreshments served by ladies from the Wheathamsptead WI group.

The event raised £3,290 for the Herts Air Ambulance charity.

Guests explored the 300 acres of formal gardens, orchards and surrounding woodland of this historic site with attractions including plant sales, tombola, a special landing by the Herts Air Ambulance.

Mrs Tizard said: “It was such a calm, enjoyable day and everything went to plan and ran really smoothly. The highlight of our day aside from the beautiful gardens was seeing the helicopter land and chatting to the air crew. It made us realise even more why we do what we do as volunteers for this fantastic charity.”

Jen Wall, volunteer manager, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, thanked Keith and Carol and Waitrose, Co-op and Sainsbury’s in Harpenden for donating cakes.

She said: “What a fantastic day. Through a lot of hard work and amazing support from Keith and Carol, the team at Bride Hall, our own team of volunteers and the support of the local community, the day was perfect.

“For our first open garden event it couldn’t have gone better.”

People can still open their gardens in aid of their branch of the Air Ambulance Charity as the 2015 Summer of Open Gardens is running until September.

Alternatively, people can register their interest to join the 2016 Summer of Open Gardens taking place across Essex and Hertfordshire.

For more details please contact Jen Wall on Jen.Wall@EHAAT.uk.com or call 0345 2417 690.