AN EAST Yorkshire garden is to be opened to the public to mark the 800th birthday of an historic landmark.

As part of a series of events to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of Ellerton Priory in 1203, the garden at Tregonning, in the village, will be open to visitors on Sunday. The organic garden will open its gates from 2pm until 5pm to raise money for the Ellerton Church Preservation Trust. Since 1995, the trust - with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many local volunteers - has rescued the ancient Priory Church at Ellerton from near-ruin.

The church has been restored as a centre for the study of village history, building crafts and the landscape of the Lower Derwent Valley. This year, a new stained glass east window, designed by Helen Whittaker, of Barley Studio, will be installed at the church. Tregonning is close to the village pond and admission will be £2. There is access for people in wheelchairs, and plants and cream teas will be on sale.

Updated: 08:46 Friday, June 20, 2003