Visitors flocked to view the 12 Otterton gardens which threw open their gates to the public to raise cash for the village church and Hospiscare

Two local causes are each more than �2,000 better off, thanks to the generosity of residents in Otterton.

Budleigh Salterton and District Hospiscare and Otterton church have benefited from a share of �4,600, thanks to 12 gardens in the village opening their gates to visitors.

Bruce Kennard-Simpson, of Dukes Close, who organised the event with his wife, June, said the interest had been ‘phenomenal’.

He said the traffic through the village with visitors keen to view the gardens was ‘solid’ and backed up to Brick Cross.

The pair, encouraged by their maiden efforts organising the open gardens, said they were already looking ahead to next year’s event.

Mr Kennard-Simpson said: “Once we get over this year, my wife and I will do it again next year, with even more additions.”