Residents of Cropthorne are busying themselves to prepare for next month’s Cropthorne Walkabout – the 43rd time the event has taken place.

The village opens many gardens, both large and small for the event and there will also be a flower festival in the village’s Norman church .

There will also be many stalls in the village hall, with music, refreshments, and children dancing the Maypole at the school.

Cropthorne Walkabout raises money for the parish church, but has now expanded to help out local organisations.

The Walkabout takes place on the first Bank Holiday weekend in May, Sunday 6 and Monday 7, from 11am until 5pm each day.

A spokesman for the Walkabout said: “There are a number of new volunteers with us this year but we also have some who worked on the very first Walkabout. This is a good time to look at Cropthorne with the daffodils still blooming, tulips will be coming and the blossoms are just starting on the plums and the apples.

“There is lots going on over the two days of the Walkabout.

“The weather makes all the difference, if we can have a dry, sunny weekend, it will be glorious and look forward to seeing people there.”

Entry to the event costs £6, to include parking.