Every year, Maureen Cousins' garden in Atherstone Avenue, Netherton, Peterborough, is transformed into a mini-nursery, with plants of every type going on sale.

Mrs Cousins and her husband Ray (70) have been holding the event to raise cash for Children's Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) – the charity which was a lifeline when her granddaughter Sally (13) was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease as a baby and required a liver transplant at nine months old.

Mr Cousins grew an array of plants, which were snapped up by visitors.

There were also home-made refreshments including cream teas and a tombola and raffle with prizes including a bottle of House of Commons wine donated by local MP Stewart Jackson.

And despite the pouring rain, the seventh May garden party was a big success – smashing last year's total and raising £1,330.

Mrs Cousins said: "Considering the weather, it went really well.

"Despite the rainy day, we had as many people as usual who came with their umbrellas.

"At the last minute, we were let down with the marquee, but we improvised with three gazebos pushed together.

"We raised £1,330 on the day, which was better than last year.

"Sally got a brand new haircut for the day. She and her sister worked on the tombola and jam stall, and raised £200.

"There are so many people I would like to thank, including everybody who pulled out all the stops to help.

"There were people running to help put the plants in people's cars."

The next sale will be held in October.

For more information on the work of the Children's Liver Disease Foundation, call 0121 212 3839.

People can join the organ donor register via CLDF's website at www.childliverdisease.org