THIRTY properties will throw open their gardens to help raise money for charity.

The third annual Macmillan Garden Trail will be taking place on July 26 and 27 and organisers are hoping for a record-breaking year.

The garden trail includes private properties from Brighton to Eastbourne.

Organiser Geoff Stonebanks from Seaford has raised more than £13,000 for the charity through his garden related events in the last three years.

He recently met up with the project’s patron, TV gardener Christine Walkden, to update her on progress.

Ms Walkden said: “Opening gardens and sharing them with others is a great treat for all.

“It generates a sense of community, camaraderie and interest in the beauty that gardeners create.

“I am thrilled to be the patron of this event for Macmillan for a second year and wish everyone a great time.”

Mr Stonebanks said: “Christine’s words are so true and this is something we hope visitors will experience while seeing all the uniquely different gardens along the trail. There is a complete mix.

“So follow Christine’s example and generate that sense of community this summer by visiting some of the gardens on the trail.”

Work started on building the Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support centre in March this year.

The centre, based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, is expected to be ready to open in the summer of 2015.

It will offer all-round support for cancer patients in a calm, friendly and non-medical environment.

They will provide specialist cancer information and advice, counselling services, complementary therapies and help with physical activity.

There will also be advice on welfare benefits, hair and skincare, diet and a space for self-help and support groups.

The centre will be linking up with existing information and support services across Sussex to ensure that cancer patients, families, carers and friends in the county can find the help they need at the time they need it most.

Gardens will be open in Brighton and Hove, Saltdean, Peacehaven, Newhaven, Seaford, Piddinghoe and Eastbourne.

Entry is £2 for each garden visited or people can buy a weekend saver ticket in the first garden visited for £12.

Full details can be found at www.macmillangardentrail.co.uk or by calling 01323 899296.