Pedn Billy Garden on the Helford Passage has smashed the record it set last year for the Cornwall Wildlife Trust's open gardens scheme attracting more than double the number of visitors.

Last year, 200 people helped raise £1,500 for the trust, but its recent open day brought in 469 visitors who raised £2,950.55, making it the most successful single open garden event ever held in aid of the trust.

As well as the chance to explore the 12 acre coastal garden and enjoy a pasty or cream tea, visitors were able to meet the nocturnal creatures brought along by the Cornwall Bat Group.

Fundraising was also helped along by a donation of plants by B&Q in Penryn and the tireless efforts of Bob Chirgwin who ran the plant sales with an array of his own plants.

Chris Betty, acting deputy head of marketing and fundraising for Cornwall Wildlife Trust said: “I couldn't believe it when people just kept arriving. This was the most successful single open garden event ever held in aid of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and we are very grateful to Nigel and Tom Bligh who own Pedn Billy for opening their garden for us again.

“A big thank you goes to our and our amazing Open Garden coordinators and team of volunteers, without whom the scheme would not be possible. This is an incredible start to the season.”

Pedn Billy on the Helford Passage was the first of many gardens throughout the county where special fundraising days are being held during 2015 for Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall's leading local wildlife charity. This is the fifth year that the trust has run their highly successful Open Gardens scheme and last year a record £8,600 was raised throughout the season. The money raised is vital for the trust's work protecting Cornwall's wildlife and wild places.