THE Cumbria branch of the British Red Cross is calling all garden owners to open up their undiscovered gardens to the public, to raise vital funds to care for people in crisis in the county.

The British Red Cross Northern Region is looking to expand its hugely-successful open gardens scheme into the Cumbria area for the year 2001.

Gardens owners who are proud of their gardens can reap the benefits of their hard work by opening their garden to the public and raising money.

The open garden scheme attracts thousands of visitors each year and has become a vital source of funding for the British Red Cross which cares for people in crisis.

The Red Cross is looking for gardens of all shapes and sizes for the scheme, in which volunteer garden co-ordinators are provided to help ensure that owners receive as much assistance as possible.

If you would like to open your garden contact Sarah Cropper, community fund-raising co-ordinator on 01539-721504.

It is anticipated that 20 gardens will be opened in 2000 in Cumbria, which is expected to raise more than £5,800 to help some of the most vulnerable people in the area.