THE residents of a picturesque Hampshire village will open their gardens to the public for the first time in a bid to save an historic church.

For just one day, the manicured lawns of the chocolate box village of Meonstoke will be tramped on by strangers as villagers attempt to raise enough cash to save their 13th century parish church, St Andrew's.

Over the years the ageing building has seen its restoration bill shoot up and at the moment it needs more than £200,000 to prevent it crumbling into a state of disrepair.

Fourteen gardens will be open to the public on Sunday.

The Grade II listed church was built by the Normans in 1230 and preserved by the Victorians, and over the years parishioners have struggled to keep it in good condition.

The Rev James Foley said: "It has never been done before and we are hoping it will be a good day."

Anyone wishing to visit the gardens on Sunday will first need to call at Meon Hall to pick up a £3 map showing the location of the open gardens.

There will also be cream teas on sale, an art exhibition and a plant sale, with all proceeds going to the church restoration fund.