SCHOOLCHILDREN across Blackpool are getting their spades and wellies out to beat the Millennium clock.

More than 1,000 youngsters have volunteered to help park staff plant nearly 150,000 crocus bulbs in the last leg of a marathon event organised by Blackpool Council.

The school that plants 1,000 bulbs in the fastest time will win 1,000 bulbs as a prize.

And pupils from Bispham Endowed dug deep when they planted 20,000 bulbs last week assisted by Blackpool's director of community services Richard Nulty.

The scheme will see the council's target of planting a million bulbs by the Millennium surpassed.

Other schools taking part include Moor Park, Westcliffe Infants, Stanley Infants, Claremont Primary, Layton Primary and Palatine High.

In addition, groups from Whitegate and Bispham family centres and Kinderquest will also join in the fun.

Photographs of the marathon bulb-planting event will be on display at the Grundy Art Gallery during the Blooming Blackpool Exhibition in February 2000.

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