They have thrown the gates of their garden open to the public for the past 40 years.

And now John and Brenda Foster, of Gable House in Redisham, have been honoured with the gift of a sundial for their charitable and green-fingered labours from the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

It came as visitors flocked to the garden on June 4 for a summer open day, enjoying salad lunches and a selection of home-made teas.

Over the years, the Fosters have raised thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and other charities, and they plan to send £1,000 to NGS-nominated cancer charities following the latest event. Gable House's summer garden includes a display of perennials including naturalised dieramas, aquilegias and roses, as well as greenhouses with rare bulbs and tender plants.

To find out more about Gable House and other gardens, visit www.ngs.org.uk