BRILLIANT sunshine drew hundreds of visitors to an open garden event at Kirkwood Hospice yesterday.
People flocked to the fundraising event at the Dalton hospice.
Visitors were queuing outside the gardens long before Kirklees Mayor Clr Barbara Allonby officially opened the event at noon.
Kate Leadbeater, the hospice's fundraising co-ordinator, said: "It has been really busy. People were queuing outside.
"I think the sun brought a lot of people out and everyone has enjoyed themselves," she added.
Some visitors lounged in the hospice garden enjoying the sun, while others browsed round the variety of stalls.
Crafts, candles, cakes, linen and lace, a tombola and raffles were all on offer.
The hospice's support groups from Batley, Cleckheaton, Dalton, Kirkheaton, Netherton and Marsden also had stalls.
There was also a chance to buy tickets for the hospice balloon race competition, which will take place in August.
The lucky winner will win a holiday for six at a Spanish villa.
Examiner columnist and gardening expert Graham Porter was also at the event, giving advice.
Other green-fingered guests included Huddersfield Fuschia Society representatives, who demonstrated how to make a bonsai plant from a fuschia.
A representative of Kirklees Council's parks and gardens department also attended, to show how to create hanging basket displays.
A barbecue and refreshments kept hungry visitors happy.
Musical entertainment was provided by the Honking Hedgers, also known as Hade Edge Youth Band.
But the centrepiece of the event was a new addition to the hospice garden - a wishing tree.
Visitors were invited to tie yellow ribbons to its branches and make wishes.
Kate said: "The wishing tree has proved really popular. We nearly ran out of ribbon."
All proceeds from the event will go towards patient care at the hospice.
Kirkwood offers free care to people from all over Kirklees who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
