Annual snowdrop walk proves to be a huge success with visitors

Penny Heslop photographs the Snowdrops in the woods at Greatham's Hospital of God.

The annual Snowdrop Afternoon is held in Greatham Village as chance for people to marvel at the mass of flowers in a garden which is closed to the public for the rest of the year.

Gardeners worked hard on the displays at the Hospital of God in Greatham, which puts the event together.

Sheila Allison shows grandaughter Francesca the Snowdrops in the woods at Greatham's Hospital of God.

Visitors are guided through the grounds by following a straw yellow trail marked out on the ground.

All proceeds from the event go to the Greatham in Bloom campaign.

The community group works hard to keep the village looking its best and leads Greatham’s entry in Northumbria in Bloom competition every year.

People were also able to hear some of the story behind the Hospital of God, which was founded in 743.

Snowdrop walk in the woods at Greatham's Hospital of God.

John Churchman, head gardener at the Hospital of God, said: “The people who I spoke to said they very much enjoyed it and its been fantastic.

“There was a steady stream of people coming through all along.

“The village was packed with cars and the whole community gets together.

“The community centre was packed and every table was being used.

“I think it could be one of the best yet.”