BUSINESSES, schools and residents in Colne are being urged to pull together to get their town blooming with pride.

The town has been entered in the North West in Bloom competition, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, and could go on to compete in the national Britain in Bloom contest if it is successful in the initial stages.

Coun Dorothy Lord, who started the Colne in Bloom campaign, has appealed for all parts of the community to get involved in helping to make the area a brighter place to live.

Coun Lord said: "The aim of the competition is to improve the local environments by imaginative planting and landscaping and dealing with local environmental issues such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.

"We want local residents, community groups, local agencies, businesses and schools to get involved as everyone's little piece of work will add up to a beautiful, blooming Colne.

"You could do something as small as putting a hanging basket up, investing in a window box, tidying up your garden or adding a few more plants to your borders."

Pendle Council parks outreach officer Fred Stewart said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage community pride and for residents to get involved in a scheme which will benefit the whole town.

"Community groups and residents who wish to take part in litter picks have already been in contact and the council will be providing all the equipment that will be needed."

Initial judging will take place in June, when Colne will compete against other towns of a similar size in the region in an attempt to be crowned North West in Bloom champion.

If successful, it could go on to compete in the national contest.

Anyone who would like to get involved can call Coun Lord on 01282 661277.