MORE than £24,000 has been raised by a Kingswinford garden centre this year for a Black Country charity which supports young adults with learning difficulties.

Ashwood Nurseries raised the funds for its 2016 chosen charity High Flyers during owner John Massey’s annual open days and hellebore tours, which saw thousands of visitors take a look behind his three acre private greenery.

The entire proceeds from garden entrance charges were donated to the charity, while many other projects and activities also helped top up the total.

Rachel Maiden, staff member, said: “During 2016 here at Ashwood Nurseries we have raised £24,318.92 for High Flyers thanks to our very generous customers, visitors to John’s Garden and all our hard working members of staff that made it all possible.

“The money raised will be used to help secure the future of High Flyers and ensure that young adults with learning difficulties have a permanent base in the local community.”

For 2017, Ashwood will be supporting the Black Country’s leading sight loss charity the Beacon Centre.

Rachel added: “Fundraising will be directed to the Independent Living Centre (ILC) to support the invaluable work that is carried out here with the aim of improving the well-being of blind and partially sighted people and thereby reducing their isolation and loneliness.”

John’s garden charity open days in aid of the Beacon Centre will take place on Saturdays February 11, March 18, April 22, June 3, July 15 and September 30, while his 2017 hellebore tours are on this Saturday (January 28) and February 18.

For more information about John’s garden, or any of the fundraising events, visit https://goo.gl/HhbZqy