YOUNGSTERS at a village primary school will blossom into green-fingered gardeners this week.

In what is thought to be the first project of its kind in Hyndburn, every pupil at Huncoat Primary School will be sent home with a hanging basket and a tray of plants to place outside their homes.

It is hoped the scheme - part of a project called Huncoat in Bloom - will lead to an explosion of colour in and around the small village during the summer months.

Funding from the village's area council worth £3,500 has been secured for the project, along with private sponsorship.

Huncoat councillor Brendan Shiels said: "The idea is that we help the youngsters get a sense of ownership towards Huncoat.

"If they feel they can make a difference in how it looks, then the village will improve, and they will start to look after it.

"At the same time, it will also look a lot nicer.

"People have a set opinion of Huncoat, which in my opinion is now unfair. Many of the houses are of the same quality of build as places like Ramsbottom.

"Hopefully, making Huncoat bloom will help change people's perceptions."

The project with the primary school is just one in a number which make up the Huncoat in Bloom scheme.

Another involves placing hanging baskets and boxes around the signal box at Huncoat Railway Station. It is right next to a level crossing and Coun Shiels believes it will make a big difference.

He said: "It is in a prominent location and until recently looked rundown, but now Network Rail have refurbished it and we've finally got permission to do this bit of the project as well.

"There will also be floral displays close to the Griffin pub, which we hope we will be able to get sponsored, and planters elsewhere in the village which we hope local people will help maintain."