VISITORS to Mill Dene Garden in Blockley can bag themselves free entry while doing their bit for the environment this spring.

The two and a half acre garden, which opened its gates to the public on March 18, is offering free entry to anyone coming with 20 used plastic carrier bags.

The bags will be used for carrying out plants sold by owners Wendy and Barry Dare.

Mrs Dare said: "When these are used up we will buy in jute bags or bio-degradable bags, if we can find them."

Adults visiting the gardens without bags pay £5 entry, and concessions are £4.50. Children aged between 5 and 15 pay £1 and get a free garden trail to interest them in gardening.

Despite the flooding last year, a new formal bed has been made in front of the house.

Mill Dene is open on tomorrow (Friday, March 21) and Easter Monday for the National Garden Scheme from 2 to 5pm.

Cream teas will be provided by the Blockley Antiquarian Society on Good Friday to raise money for the new museum being built to house Blockley's many artefacts.