MEMBERS of eight hunts across the Cotswolds have amassed more than 25,000 plants to be sold at an event being opened by author Jilly Cooper on Sunday.

The Countryside Alliance will be raising money for the alliance and for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) at the sale, which runs from 10am to 4pm at Eyford House in Stow-on-the-Wold.

Charlotte Heber Percy, whose family lives at Eyford House, said the cause was something they were passionate about.

"We support our brave armed forces, so this plant sale is the ideal way for us to boost both causes while providing a fun day out," she said.

Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, chief executive of ABF, said: "I am very grateful to Charlotte and her committee for including [the charity] in this very exciting event as it will raise our profile and will provide funds to help those in real and urgent need as a result of recent and existing conflicts."

Other attractions include a shopping village offering a range of gardening goods, clothing, gifts, chicks and ducks and a selection of local food.