MORE than 4,000 people visited Oxton for the conservation village's 13th secret gardens festival at the weekend.

The sun shone down as visitors turned out to admire the 21 gardens that were on display.

The exhibits varied from tiny courtyards and front garden plots, to spacious borders and landscaped lawns.

Each was created by local gardeners who generously open their gates to raise funds for charity.

As well as floral displays there were also street stalls, arts and crafts and plants were also on sale. Among those entertainment were Mersey Morris Men.

Among the children's activities were donkey rides, story-telling and face painting.

It is organised by The Oxton Society with help from local charities who benefit from the profits.

This year's beneficiaries are Prenton-based Shaftesbury Youth Club, Helplink Community Support and Wirral Fund For Children With Special Needs. The proceeds are still being counted.

Rhiannon Evans, chair of The Oxton Society, told the Globe: "It was a really good day and we had a good turnout, particularly when the weather picked up in the afternoon and people seemed to enjoy it.

"The main purpose was for people to come along and have a nice day, and to raise money for local charities in the process.

"The exact amount raised is still being counted, but we're confident it will be around the amount made last year.

"Because of the advance notice, we had visitors from as far afield as Scotland, Wales and Norfolk, which goes to show how important the event is."