MORE than 5,000 crocus bulbs have been planted in Thompson Park to as part of a worldwide campaign to raise awareness for Polio.

Members of the Rotary Club of Burnley Pendleside together with volunteers from Pennine Lancashire Community Farm planted the purple bulbs in the grass area of the park above the rose garden.

The planting was organised to promote and ongoing rotary club’s campaign 'End Polio Now'.

Ewen Dyda, president of the Rotary Club of Burnley Pendleside, said: “As a club we work very hard to ensure that polio is eradicated for good, and with fewer cases being reported we believe we can end this deadly disease forever.

"We are aiming to demonstrate how the humble crocus can symbolise a colourful splash of hope for a new beginning for children and how working together can make a huge difference."

The purple colour of the bulbs signifies the colour of the mark made when people are being vaccinated against the disease.

Councillor John Harbour, Burnley Council’s executive member for housing and environment, said: "I’d like to say huge thank you to the members of Burnley Rotary Club for all their hard work and dedication to such a worthy cause.

"Their planted flowers will provide a beautiful springtime display for many years to come."