A Colehill couple raised more than £2,000 over a three-day period from a plant sale, donating the money to Julia’s House children’s charity.

Catherine and Rodger Andrew have been growing plants to sell since the beginning of 2020.

Rodger said: “It started as small event but Catherine has such green fingers. She produced some for last year and then it couldn’t happen because of lockdown so we had lots to sell. It was 18 months of hard work for Catherine, but when we totalled it up it was well worth the effort. We have been astounded by the response and the amount raised exceeded our expectations by an incredible amount. We even had one youngster carrying Alan Titchmarsh’s gardening book so he could get the right plants.  The weather could have been better but we sold out of virtually everything.”

The couple thanked those who helped over the three days or donated plants, and paid tribute to those who supported the sale, saying: “Well done, Colehillians – your generosity knows no bounds.”

Laura Maidment, public fundraising manager for Julia’s House said: “We’d like to say a massive thank to Catherine and Rodger for the amazing support they have shown us. The money raised will go directly to helping the families of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in Dorset and Wiltshire, who have had an incredibly tough time during the lockdowns.”

The couple said: “We chose Julia’s House as it is an excellent local charity and a most worthwhile cause. Lots of people who came to the sale were delighted that we chose Julia’s House, and the fact that the children are the ultimate beneficiaries stirs us to (perhaps) start now for next year.”