BRAMSHOTT Open Gardens, the bi-annual community event, will be officially opened by renowned Italian chef and forager Antonio Carluccio.

Mr Carluccio will open the two-day event at the triangle opposite St Mary’s Church on Church Lane on Saturday, June 11, at 12.30pm.

Bramshott Open Gardens chairman Craig McGregor said: “Antonio is a frequent visitor to Bramshott in the autumn, high foraging season, and his passion for gardens and the outdoors make him a natural choice to be our honoured guest to open this year’s 14th Bramshott Open Gardens.”

Mr Carluccio has a long affiliation with the area, having previously lived near Froxfield for more than 20 years.

He now enjoys weekends in the county and is frequently seen foraging around Bramshott, Liphook, Farnham, and as far afield as the New Forest.

Bramshott Open Gardens, which takes from June 11-12, is a special community event held deliberately outside the National Open Gardens network to preserve its individuality and grounding in the community.

Around 25 private gardens will open to the public.

A flower festival will also be held inside the 13th Century St Mary’s Church over the two days, as well as a concert recital on the Saturday, starting at 6pm.

Bramshott, once home to the late actor Boris Karloff, is reputed to be the most haunted village in England.

Entry over the two days is £6 for adults and free for under-13s. Tickets entitle holders to visit gardens on both days and opening times are 11.30am-5pm on both days.

For more details, visit bramshottopengardens.org.uk.