SPRING will be a riot of colour thanks to the efforts of community groups, volunteers and the council's grounds maintenance team.

Some 112,000 daffodil bulbs have been manually planted across the borough, and a further 175,000 crocus and daffodil bulbs by a special machine brought over from Holland.

The anticipated results will help Bury's entry in next year's North West in Bloom competition.

Councillor Stella Smith, executive member for environment and transport, said: "For a relatively low cost, the bulb planting will provide colourful and attractive displays which will enhance our green spaces each spring."

The bulb planting is part of a £1.5 million investment in "green" projects, which includes ball zones, play areas and general part and environmental improvements.

One project is to instal 70 new street benches, many to replace those which were removed many years ago. Some are in parks, while others will be placed between housing developments and town centres as convenient resting places.

The steel-framed benches have the date embossed on the end panels. Some have already been installed in places such as Kay Gardens and Sparrow Park in Bury, while 20 have just been delivered to Festival Gardens in Radcliffe.