THE Whitegate Daffodil Walks will take place again this spring for the 13th consecutive year.

The event, run by father and daughter Len Tomlinson and Gail Jackson, has raised more than £67,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support over the years.

It sees their 35-acre family farm in Whitegate open up to the public for beautiful walks through the daffodil fields, which have proven incredibly popular in previous years.

Gail said: “The far mat Foxwist Green has been home to our family for more than 300 years. The first daffodils were planted here in 1890 and since then thousands of bulbs have been planted over the years.

“Today there are more than 600 different varieties, covering eight acres including a large collection of historic and new hybridisations.”

Len has been planting for 70 years, since he was five, and last Autumn planted a further 6,000 bulbs to expand the Woodland display and continue the survival of the rare varieties.

Historically the flowers were traditionally cut by hand and sold in local shops and on the Markets at Northwich, Winsford and Nantwich plus a large amount would be taken to Manchester Wholesale Market for national distribution.

Gail said: “Sadly around 15 years ago it became no longer commercially viable to do this, however we have continued welcoming friends and daffodil enthusiasts from all over the world to visit the farm and enjoy what we have enjoyed for years.”

Len's wish to expand this came after losing his best friend following a long battle with cancer.

He had experienced the support that Macmillan offered and wanted to give something back to the charity.

In 2007 the first daffodil tour was held raising £330, and now the event has expanded to cover 12 days.

The dates this year are from March 27, until April 7, open daily from 10am to 4pm.

For a small donation (adults £2, children £1) visitors can do a self-guided walk or at 10.30am enjoy a guided tour (£5 booking required).

Len will guide you for approximately one and a half hours covering the history of the farm, including examples of salt subsidence caused by the nearby Winsford Salt mines. He will show daffodils dating back to the 1500s up to present day, explaining breeding, cultural information and a few entertaining tales along the way.

There will also be a Fairy Trail for younger visitors who will enjoy a visit to 'The Magic Oak' and the 'Fairy Village'.

More information can be found at daffodilwalks.com or call Gail 01606 889380.