The secret gardens and hidden treasures of Port Erin - including possibly the world’s oldest hen - will be open to the public from July 5 to 7 (from 10am to 4pm each day).

The 14 gardens on show include a newly established art garden and one of the oldest gardens in Port Erin.

Another has undergone a remarkable transformation, from being a paved back yard into a superb cottage garden.

There is a ’good life’ garden, which has the very old hen (called Hen), spectacular flower gardens, and cottages hidden in a dell, and a garden with a magnificent view from Langness to the Sound.

It’s not all about beautiful gardens, however. In addition to the hen, the hidden treasures part of the weekend will see a sale of antiques, collectables and plants at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Church Road, Port Erin.

The event is organised by Pam Crowe, who has held similar events in Ballasalla, Port St Mary and Port Erin, raising considerable sums for charity along the way.

All funds raised go towards a proposed heritage centre, Tree Archyn, being created by Rushen Heritage Trust.

The centre, in the former bus shelter on Bridson Street, will be used for small exhibitions, talks, meetings and storage. The building is owned by Port Erin Commissioners and was earmarked for demolition, following the creation of a new main bus stop by the railway station.

Entry to the gardens and antiques fair is by brochure, which costs £5 and admits two people. Brochures are available at The Italian Kitchen, Castletown; Sarah’s Flowers, Ramsey; Elaine’s Flowers, Peel; The Welcome Centre, the Sea Terminal, Douglas; Calvert Newsagents, Port St Mary; and in Port Erin at the Bridge Bookshop, the commissioners’ office on Bridson Street, and Port Erin Pets.