GREEN-FINGERED members of a Blackpool environmental group are celebrating after receiving a grant to help them plant a tree and bulbs for the local community.

Members of RONSA (Revitalisation of North Shore Area) wanted to spruce up Gynn Square roundabout and nearby Flagstaff Gardens but needed money to make it happen.

RONSA chairman Elaine Hodgin explained: "We felt it would improve the appearance of the area for visitors and local residents alike, so we were keen to go ahead."

The group applied to Whitbread plc which sponsors environmental projects through its Whitbread Action Earth programme.

Whitbread were so impressed by RONSA's plans to put in a huge tree which would be recycled after the New Year and to put in crocus and daffodil bulbs alongside hardy shrubs that they agreed to lend their support right away.

Since then, RONSA has held a huge celebration party at the Savoy Hotel where more than 150 people enjoyed a Christmas tree lights switch-on.

After the New Year RONSA members are planning to hand the tree over to Blackpool Borough Council to be mulched and recycled and will continue with their planting project.

Elaine Hodgin commented: "We are very pleased with the money Whitbread have given us and delighted with the number of people who turned up for our party.

"The whole thing went brilliantly. Now we are looking forward to getting planting in the New Year."

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