LANGLEY couple Tom and Belinda Speir are to open their garden at beautiful East Deanraw in aid of the Red Cross on Sunday.

Surrounded by wild fells, the garden is a green oasis with an ornamental lake, fed by the Langley Burn, three acres of sweeping lawns, a ha ha and colourful herbaceous borders.

Tom, who used to own a Scottish tree nursery, has brought in more than 100 specimen trees.

He said: “This is the first time we have opened for the Red Cross.

“I thought it would be quite a nice idea as much for the people who work in the garden.

“Nobody sees the garden because it’s completely away from everywhere. It’s 10 years since we began work on it and it’s just about ready.

“I would encourage visitors to walk up on to the fell from where you get a panoramic view of Hadrian’s Wall.”

Belinda is the daughter of Tommy Bates, the land owner and former Haydon Parish Council chairman, who died last year.

Tom is the nephew of the former Hexham MP, Sir Rupert Speir, and lived in North Yorkshire before moving up to Langley 10 years ago after marrying Belinda.

The garden opens from 1pm until 5pm and the entry fee is £3.50 for adults with children under 12 free. Tea and refreshments along with plants will be on sale on the day and entertainment will be provided by the Cherry Pickers singing group.

The garden is one mile west of Langley Castle along the back road signposted West Deanraw at NE47 5LY.