THE sixth annual Kirkby Stephen Garden Trail attracted more than 250 visitors to the town to enjoy 19 stunning private gardens, and visit the Dancing Plants Video exhibition, raising £950.

It has been decided to donate £800 of the money to Kirkby Stephen Health Centre's equipment fund and the rest is to be invested in next year's trail, financing the replanting of the 12 planters donated to the town over the past five years.

Organiser of the Kirkby Stephen Garden Trail, Donald Walker, told The Messenger: "We are also planning to produce more planters for the town, which we will plant up next year.

"We are delighted with the response to this year's event. We are very grateful for donations from Kirkby Stephen Town Council, Megabites, HSBC Bank, the Post Office, Methodist Church, Kirkby Stephen Social Club, and Kirkby Stephen Dental Practice."

Trail maps and stickers were available from Garden Number 1 on the day, as well as the Tourist Information Office in Kirkby Stephen.

"The trail included Over the Garden Wall, and small and secret gardens. This year, The Fold Gallery held a video art exhibition entitled Dancing Plants to link into the town's special weekend.

As well as opening the gardens to public view, the trail also included a garden competition and the results for 2004 are as follows: Secret garden: 1 Colin Brown/Chris Cullen, Old Croft House; 2 Rev Chris & Mrs Ann Kirkman 50 South Road. Container garden: 1 Mr V Watson, High Street. Small garden: 1 Mr Gordon & Mrs Pat Dargue, Faraday Road; 2 Mr & Mrs Charlton, 7 Fletcherhill Park; 3 Mr Joe & Mrs Alice Marston, 4 Westgarth Road. Large garden: 1 Mr Ron & Mrs Heather Dakin, Stenkrith House; 2 Mr Willis Meadowbank. Faraday Road. O.T.G.W: 1 Mr Ray Myres, Appleby Road; 2 Mr & Mrs Hastwell, 52 South Road; 3 Mr Bill & Mrs Ruth Varty, 60 South Road. Business winner: 1 Pennine Hotel, Mr John & Mrs Joan Redmond; 2 Haugheys Antiques, Mr Melvin & Mrs Sheila Haughey; 3 Mulberry Bush, Mr & Mrs Jones and Family.