Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is excited to announce the return of its Open Gardens initiative this year.

Running all year round, with a spring/summer theme taking place from April to September and an autumn/winter theme from October to March, the charity's Open Gardens initiative aims to bring local communities across Dorset and Somerset together, raising awareness and funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

No matter the size of the garden or whether they are pristine or wild, the charity is inviting everyone to get involved and to spend time outdoors, as a great way to promote health and well-being within their local community.

Whether people decide to open their garden to members of the public to have a look and a walk around, or plan to hold an afternoon event with a cream tea or barbecue alongside, the initiative provides an opportunity for people to hold a special event within their local community for a good cause.

Last year, an array of open garden events were held in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, raising more than £8,570 for the life-saving charity.

The air ambulance receives no direct funding from the government or the National Lottery and relies on the generosity of the public to help raise its operational costs of over £5million per year.

Community fundraising initiatives like Open Gardens play a vital role in helping to raise these funds, so the charity is hoping that members of the public will once again show their support.

Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager said: "We are delighted to be running our Open Gardens initiative for the second year in a row and would love people to support us by opening their garden to raise funds and awareness for our life-saving service.

"You could host a picnic, serve tea on the lawn or just keep it simple and let people sit or potter at their leisure. If you have neighbours that might like to showcase their gardens on the same day, then why not organise a village opening to bring people together and showcase your local community.

"Whatever people decide to do, our team will fully support these generous people by providing all that they need to make their open garden event a 'blooming' success!"

To find out more information or to sign up, visit www.dsairambulance.org.uk/open-gardens