PURPLE crocus corm flowers are being planted around green spaces in Dursley.

The Dursley in Bloom group are planting 5,000 of the flowers over the next few weeks as part of the Purple4Polio campaign which aims to eradicate polio.

The purple crocus is a symbol of the campaign with its colour representing the purple dye used to mark the finger of a child who has been immunised.

In their first planting parishioners from St James Church helped Dursley In Bloom members to plant some of bulbs in the church yard.

Penny Hyde, from Dursley In Bloom said: “We can all enjoy watching these beautiful flowers grow in late February or early March next year.”

Rotary International’s clubs and the Royal Horticultural Society’s In Bloom joined forces to promote the worldwide campaign to help engage communities in activities.

For over 30 years Rotary has been committed to fighting to eliminate polio (a crippling disease that kills and paralyses young children) across the world. The number of polio endemic countries has dropped from 125 to only two.

The In Bloom Groups hope to plant 6 million crocus corms throughout the country to brighten-up public spaces and promote health and well-being.

To help Dursley In Bloom with their planting activities contact Penny Hyde on 01453 549296.