VOLUNTEERS have planted more than 17,000 flowers and plants for Bacup's first Britain in Bloom bid.

For the last six years, Bacup Pride has participated in the Royal Horticultural Society, RHS, and It's Your Neighbourhood Awards to great success and this year they want to take it a step further.

Along with entering It's Your Neighbourhood, Bacup Pride has also entered the town into Britain in Bloom.

After five consecutive years, the Wall of History entry gained the top-level outstanding award, earning Bacup Pride an extra certificate alongside four other Level 5s, and judges at the awards suggested they go for Britain in Bloom.

The community group cares for most of the plants around Bacup, including planters, plant beds and displays and also the Cenotaph.

However, they have faced many setbacks as the judging date - August 1 - approaches these include scaffolding around the library, which will hopefully be removed soon, alongside litter and weeds plaguing the plant beds.

Rossendale Borough Council has also decided to enter Stubbylee Park in Bacup into Britain in Bloom, last year the Rose Garden also received an Outstanding in It's Your Neighbourhood.

When asked about her reasons for participating in Britain in Bloom, Chair of Bacup Pride Pat Smith said: “We simply wanted to give it a go and we realise that if we don't try we won't know.”

An RHS judge Roy Down from Rochdale, who has previously assessed Bacup, has given his top tips to the group.

Bacup Pride also works alongside uniformed movements to aid with their planting efforts, teaching children of the joys of gardening, litter picking, looking after bees and helping within the community.

Eco-school initiatives, such as the one at Britannia Primary, also promote gardening and are supported by Bacup Pride.

Businesses, such as Beta Group, have also contributed by financially supporting the group and Crowthers Opticians, in Market Street, has a beautifully decorated window to support the Britain in Bloom bid.

One of the more stunning additions to Hempsteads Memorial Ground is a carved tree stump which is dedicated to animals that served in the World Wars.

It is being masterfully crafted by Rick Goodwin from Stump Art.

The head of a horse, a dog and, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase 'watch the birdie', a carrier pigeon complete with camera are being skilfully cut into the stump.

Pat praised the army of litter pickers, saying: “Without the litter pickers week in week out, we would not have the blank canvas to plant on.”

Pat called upon people of Bacup to volunteer, saying: “We have something for everyone who wants to help”.

If you want to get involved in Bacup Pride, contact Pat on 07751 380392.