CLITHEROE will be in full bloom next spring following a new scheme to encourage schoolchildren to become more environmentally aware.

Every primary school child in the town is to be given a free hyacinth bulb.

They will then be challenged to show their gardening skills with a flower growing competition.

Over 1,400 bulbs will be distributed by Clitheroe Town Council at a cost of £250.

Schools with then be encouraged to show pupils how to plant and care for their bulbs, with prizes awarded early next year to those children whose produce the best flowers.

The scheme and competition is being co-ordinated by Coun Paul Adnitt, headmaster at St James' CE Primary School.

He said: "St James' has been designated a site at Sainsburys to plant our bulbs and we are encouraging other schools to take on planting at various parts of the town to create a colourful welcome for people coming here."

Advice is being sought on the best time to plant the bulbs. It is expected to be in the next few weeks.