HUNDREDS of people are expected to go to a hospice to see its gardens as part of a national initiative.

Wigan and Leigh Hospice will welcome visitors on Sunday, September 10 from 10am to 4pm as it makes its first appearance in the National Garden Scheme, an initiative that gives people the chance to view charities' green spaces to raise money for them.

The Hindley hospice gardens have colourful flower beds at the front and back of the building, three ponds and a Chinese bridge donated by the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.

Its Dedicate a Daisy memorial garden and two courtyards will also be on display at the gardens which are next to wildlife haven Amberswood Common.

Chief executive of the hospice Dr Alan Baron said: “The gardens at the hospice are a hidden sanctuary for our patients and their visitors right in the middle of Hindley.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming people from our community who have not seen our beautiful gardens before or those who have not been here for a while and want to see how much they have changed.

“There is a lot to discover here and beautiful gardens to explore.”

Entry will cost £3 at the entrance with refreshments available to buy at the event.