Hardworking volunteers of a community gardening group are inviting more residents to help their town bloom.
With the Colne In Bloom season having just begun, the award-winning team is keen to get more people on board.
The group has scooped gold in the last five North West In Bloom awards, and last year they were just two points away from bagging gold in the prestigious Britain in Bloom contest.
Chairman of Colne In Bloom Coun. Dorothy Lord said: “We have got a fantastic team who have been together for years.
“You don’t have to be a gardener to be a part of it, or have a wealth of knowledge.
“We always have a lot of fun, and so many people compliment us on the flowers. It is just like one big family.
“When we first started we were the only team in the whole of East Lancashire. Now, in Pendle, nearly everyone is in it, and Nelson is entering this year. We are really pleased that other parts of the borough are coming on board.”
Councillors were last night set to discuss a bid for £15,500 from the group.
In a report submitted by Kevin Singleton, it states details of the Colne in Bloom project, and the main outcomes to be achieved by the team.
These include growing poppies in Colne to commemorate the centenary of the First World War, as well as organising various litter picks and continuing to maintain “adopted areas” in the town.
The report states: “Our first aim is to make Colne a better, cleaner, brighter place to live, work and visit.
“Last year volunteers designed and planted the guitar bed, a new herb bed, titanic bed with perennials that showcase the town and ensure continuous displays even throughout the winter months. This should also reduce costs in future years.
“Volunteers work tirelessly to ensure Colne is looking at its best, we plant all planters and maintain many of the perennial herbaceous flower beds dotted throughout the town. Colne in Bloom really is making a difference.”
For more information or to get involved with Colne in Bloom visit the group’s Facebook page. Alternatively contact Coun. Lord on 859025 or Louise Cooper on 661236.
l Colne In Bloom will be taking part in the Colne Easter Art and Craft Market at Colne Open Market on Saturday, April 19th. The group will be running a cake stall, and are hoping residents will be able to donate sweet treats on the day. The event runs between 10am and 4pm.