THOUSANDS of people are being invited to back a drive to help secure the future of world-famous historic gardens.

Worthing Borough Council is launching a bid for a Heritage Lottery grant of more than £900,000 to help maintain and preserve Highdown Gardens.

The site on Highdown Hill is owned and run by the council which keeps entry free for visitors.

The Highdown50 drive has been launched to publicise the importance of the place in local and national history.

The gardens are also of worldwide scientific importance and have been designated a National Plant Collection.

July 10 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of the gardens’ creator Sir Frederick Stern.

February will mark 50 years since Highdown was handed to the people of Worthing by Sir Frederick’s widow Lady Sybil.

Councillor Diane Guest, council executive member for the environment, said: “Highdown is a very special place and we want to invest in it to safeguard the future.

“The more people we can get on board to support this bid the better our chances.

“I am always inspired whenever I go up there.

“There’s such a variety of fantastic plants, trees and other species from all around the world, all with a great story to tell and all of national importance.

“I am extremely proud of our role in keeping these gardens in their splendid state.”

Sir Frederick wanted to prove a whole range of plant species could thrive on the chalk downs.

If the funding is successful, plans could include making the gardens more accessible and creating a visitor centre.

The public will also be asked for ideas.

A public consultation might bring forward other ideas.