Having known Henfield since the Forties and being proud of my village, I find I am increasingly having to apologise to friends and visitors.

We walk down historic Cagefoot Lane, past the picturesque duckpond and then into the bridleway past the property of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society.

Here the hedge is full of gaps and rotting miscellaneous woodwork, all giving a clear view of derelict grounds and revolting rubbish heaps.

Come on Gardeners' Benevolent Society, pull your socks up.

-Name and address supplied