Wakehurst Place which has recorded the first increase in visitor numbers since the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

The number of groups touring Kew's country garden near Ardingly was up ten per cent on the previous year in July, with a total of 28,701 people, according to new figures.

Travel trade manager Jackie Robertson said: "We were hit hard by the six-week closure in March and April and this is a welcome relief."

Gardeners are now planning autumn and Christmas events for the gardens with Autumn Colour Sundays expected to attract even greater numbers of visitors to see the seasonal tints.

Wakehurst Place is on the B2028 between Ardingly and Turners Hill. For group bookings call 01444 894066.