AS PART of their Garden Open in aid of the National Garden Scheme, and by kind invitation of Mr and Mrs Mick Hartley, the Merlin Project held a most successful Cream Tea afternoon at Long Hay Gardens in Treligga on Tuesday, June 22.

The garden was a truly magnificent setting, with panoramic views of the North Cornwall coast as a backdrop.

Almost £500 was raised thanks to the hard work of Bet and Mick in the garden, 'Toots' and Eliza (raffle), Mary, Hester, Carolyn and Heather (cream tea) and John (car park field).

The Merlin Project is Cornwall's Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Therapy Centre near St Austell.

MS is not curable but the symptoms can be treated using a variety of therapies, including high doseage oxygen therapy, physiotherapy and aromatherapy massage.

Although the centre has been developed primarily to assist people living with MS, it is not exclusive and welcomes anyone who may benefit from it's services – it is open to one and all.

A spokesperson said: "If any readers are in the area, please feel free to drop in for a cup of tea or coffee and a tour of the centre. Alternatively, give the centre a call on 01726 885530 or visit http://www.merlinproject.org.uk.&quot">www.merlinproject.org.uk."

The fitting out of a kitchen, meeting room and therapy rooms is now nearing completion. The next step will be the provision of a much needed hydrotherapy pool, which will also be available to the public.

It is estimated a further £50,000 will be required to complete the pool.