Sandwich’s loveliest gardens will once again open to the public this weekend – and this year there is an added attraction.

For the first time, people will get the chance to see behind the gates of the town’s allotments as part of the annual Little Gardens of Sandwich on Sunday.

As well as being able to wander around the plots near St Clement’s Church, eight different private gardens will be on show.

Cream teas will be available at the church, and plant nurseries will have stalls in the churchyard.

Chairman of the Little Gardens committee, Liz Watson, said: “The inclusion of the Sandwich allotments will add extra interest to this edition of Little Gardens of Sandwich, as will the opening of 8 Knightrider Street for the first time, which is bursting with unusual tropical ferns.”

She added: “The eight gardens open this year once again offer a great variety of garden designs and feature both popular and unusual plant varieties, while many of the ancient walls to the garden backdrops showcase the history and beauty of Sandwich.”

The Little Gardens of Sandwich, which raises several thousand pounds every year, is one of the highlights of the town’s summer calendar.

The gardens will be open from 2pm to 5pm and tickets cost £5 for adults and free for children, and are available at the Sandwich Tourist Office or at the gardens on the day.

All the proceeds from the day will go towards the upkeep of St Clement’s Church.