Castle to open gardens to help local hospice

Allington Castle is a medieval 12th Century castle near Maidstone

A castle is opening its gardens to help a local hospice raise money.

On 20 July and 3 August, Allington Castle, near Maidstone in Kent, is hosting events for Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford.

Maisie Bass, event manager at the hospice, said: "By supporting events, including the Allington Castle gardens open days, we can help our hospice to continue providing free end of life care and support to those living with a terminal illness."

The hospice says it costs £6.6m a year to deliver its services and it depends on donations to raise 80% of this.

At the events, people will be able to explore the grounds and there will be a children's treasure trail.

Allington Castle is a medieval 12th Century castle, set in 42 acres of woodland on the banks of the River Medway.