A RESTORED red telephone box worth thousands of pounds is among a host of quirky lots to be auctioned at a popular garden show.

Plans are coming together for this year’s Little Bentley Hall waterways and garden show, which is held in stunning gardens at the home of Christopher and Virginia Palmer-Tomkinson.

The gardens are rarely open to the public so the show is a special occasion.

As well enjoying the beautiful scenery, there will be an opportunity to take part in a silent auction with some unusual lots up for grabs.

Event organiser Nigel Dyson said: “We have a huge number of interesting items for the silent auction at this year’s show, which will be open for bids throughout the show weekend.

“This year, we’ve even been given a renovated red telephone box. These are selling for between £3,000 and £3,500 online and we are keen to receive early bids for this.

“People might come to admire the stunning grounds but could go home with a truly special feature for their own garden.”

The silent auction, which is being run by Kelvedon and Tiptree Rotary Club and Clacton Lions Club for the show, is one of many attractions to this year’s event.

The show will be opened on May 31 for a gala preview evening, with the Colchester Band of the Parachute Regiment performing.

Over the following two days a host of trade stands, exhibitors and competitions will feature as part of the show.

Money raised will be shared between the Rotary Club, Wix Young Farmers, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Canine Partners, Clacton Lions and churches in Little Bentley, the Bromleys, Lawford and Beaumont, plus other charities.

The last show held in 2013 raised £85,000.

Mr Dyson added: “It’s an excellent event and we’re delighted to have so much entertainment for all the visitors.”

Tickets are now on sale online at www.littlebentley.net.

Entry on the gate is £10 for adults, and children under 15 go free.