Record numbers of people have been enjoying the delights of the many magnificent public gardens in Norfolk this month, thanks to the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).

Music in the flower beds

There are 20 gardens open, ranging in size from small town plots to large country estates, with the visitors to the picturesque Old Rectory in Ridlington also able to enjoy the sound of a brass band as they make their way through the shrubs, trees, perennials, raised beds and roses, thanks to music played by the members of the Stalham Band under conductor Tim Thirst.

Founded in 1927, the NGS raises money to support nursing and caring charities and during 2013 gave £2.5 million from money raised by opening more than 3800 private gardens in England and Wales.

We were delighted to be able to add to the enjoyment of visitors to the Old Rectory as well as help the charities involvedStalham Band

Delighted

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We were delighted to be able to add to the enjoyment of visitors to the Old Rectory as well as help the charities involved."