The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) has announced the appointment of Mary Berry as the new President, starting from Thursday 17 March. Mary takes over from Joe Swift, NGS President of 6 years.

George Plumptre, chief executive of the NGS said: “We are delighted that Mary has agreed to become our president. Having supported us by opening her garden for well over 20 years, it would be hard to imagine anyone more suitable.”

Speaking ahead of the announcement in London yesterday afternoon, Mary Berry remarked: “We have opened our garden now for over 20 years for the NGS. I know it gives such pleasure to so many. I am very honoured to be the new president.”

The NGS was founded by the Queen’s Nursing Institute in 1927 to raise money to support district nurses in England and Wales. It is the biggest ever funder of both Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie, having donated £15.75m and £7.8m to each.

To find out more about the National Gardens Scheme, please visit www.ngs.org.uk

Image credit: Karen Hatch