A GARDEN which is opened to visitors to raise funds for charity was turned into a lake during one of the recent April showers.

Gilda and Charles Brader of Manor Farm, Thixendale, were shocked to find their garden completely under water after a recent storm.

She said: “After a huge hail storm and an hour of torrential downpour, the garden had turned into a lake.”

Gilda, who works in her garden throughout the year and in all weathers, is hoping there is no long-term damage following the flood.

“The garden is open for private groups and charity during the summer so hopefully it will have time to recover to look its best by then," she said.

Charles said: “Thixendale is 500ft above sea level and the land is predominantly chalk, so by its very nature drains extremely well so it was a total surprise to see the land saturated."

The garden will be open for the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday, September 4 and private groups by appointment.