GREEN-fingered members of Kidderminster Horticultural Society have handed a Worcestershire children's charity a £1,100 cash boost.

The money, which has been donated to Noah's Ark Trust, was raised during the group's annual garden open day last July. Cheques have also been presented to Orphans of Kenya, which is run by Bewdley resident, Annie Austin and Hereford and Worcester branch of the Alzheimers Society.

The third donation had been destined for the former Blackberry Way Bereavement Services, which was set up to carry on the work of the Brambles Trust supporting Wyre Forest children and their families experiencing problems following bereavement after it folded last year.

Society committee member, Louise Aston, said: "As a society, we are very pleased to give the money to the Noah's Ark Trust, which helps bereaved children. The money was originally for Blackberry Way but it never got on its feet. We are happy the money is going to a similar charity."

The society has a busy summer ahead, kicking off with a plant sale at Kidderminster's Corn Exchange on Saturday, May 19, between 9am and noon, when refreshments will be served.

This year's garden open day will take place on Sunday, July 1 and will be followed by the group's two-day annual autumn show, which will be held for the first time in the grounds of the Ramada Hotel in Bewdley, on Saturday and Sunday, September 8 and 9.