A TOWN bloomed as people descended for its annual open gardens and scarecrow festival.

More than 35 residents showed off their gardens in Brightlingsea on Saturday and Sunday.

There was a selection of topical and traditional scarecrows created by residents and businesses on display across the town.

Gardens varied from large formal plots with fruit trees and chickens to small courtyards at the back of terraced houses, as well as patio gardens, wildlife areas and water features.

The event has been running for 27 years and raises money for St Helena Hospice.

It is organised by the Brightlingsea St Helena Hospice support group.

Spokeswoman Mary Goggin said: “We had lots of people out on Saturday as the weather was gorgeous. It has been a good weekend.”

Last year, the group gave £11,000 to the hospice, raised by the open garden event and a summer lunch.