Green fingered fundraisers broke records by collecting £11,000 for charity at an annual gardening event.

Hundreds of people attended the Markyate Plant Sale this year, which raised £10,995 for The Hospice of St Francis.

That is £1,100 more than the previous record.

Patrons could choose between 7,000 plants, grown at Rothamsted Research, and more perennials than ever before.

Organiser Ian Bradley said the rain held off and everyone was in a “buying mood”: “We sold dozens of our ever popular hanging baskets and containers, had some great raffle prizes and with The Woburn Sands Silver Band entertaining guests throughout the morning as they enjoyed freshly brewed tea and coffee and delicious homemade cakes and rolls, how could we not have a successful party?”

Dacorum mayor Cllr Rosie Sutton, Herts county councillor Terry Douris, and Hemel Hempstead MP Sir Mike Penning all attended the event.

Ian said: “It’s such a pleasure working with such a great bunch of people for such a worthwhile cause.”

CEO of the hospice, Kate Phipps-Wiltshire, said, “I’m thrilled that the plant sale has broken previous records – again.

“It’s a privilege to know such a dedicated team of volunteers who love supporting the hospice as much as they do the plants that they grow and sell. The quality and range of plants was absolutely outstanding!

“Ian and the whole Markyate Plant Sale team work so hard every year to make the event the success that it is and our heartfelt thanks go to them for everything they put into it to raise vital funds to enable our care to continue.”

Since it started in 1997, the plant sale has raised nearly £100,000 for the hospice.

Kate described that as remarkable: “It’s marvellous that it continues to be a magnet for discerning gardeners looking for top quality plants and a family fun day out.”

It took place on May 26 this year.

The hospice provide care for people living with life-limiting illnesses in West Herts and South Bucks.

For more information on the charity, visit www.stfrancis.org.uk