Spring is turning swathes of Erewash into a sea of purple thanks to volunteers who six months ago helped plant 8,000 crocus bulbs to mark World Polio Day.
The autumn mission was led by Sawley Rotary Club – with eyepopping results now on full display.
Rotarians supplied half the bulbs – with Erewash Borough Council funding the 4,000 others.
Photos of the spring blooms were posted online by the club alongside a message hailing the blaze of colour as “a testament to the hard work of all who participated”.
The club said: “A heartfelt thankyou to everyone who took part in planting and supporting this initiative. Your dedication has helped create a striking and meaningful display, reinforcing our ongoing efforts in the fight against polio.
“If you haven't yet had a chance, be sure to take a moment to enjoy the crocuses in bloom around our community!”
Places where the crocuses have been appearing include Sawley Park and West Park in Long Eaton. The planting – which coincided with World Polio Day on 24 October – saw Erewash’s mayor Cllr Kate Fennelly grab a spade to help. Cllr Mark Alfrey, who is the council’s Lead Member for Environment, said:
“The council is grateful to all the volunteers who helped plant the bulbs – which are not only a spring joy but salute the efforts of Rotary International and its partners in the continuing efforts to eradicate polio. This goal has been a 35-year campaign.
“I commend and thank the members of Sawley rotary for highlighting the campaign. It was my pleasure to meet Jayne Hopkins, President of The Sawley Rotary, who works tirelessly raising awareness of the collective commitment to eradicating polio.
“By planting purple crocus across Erewash – at sites including West Park , Sawley Park and Sawley Church – the awareness campaign has brought a carpet of colour to springtime in the borough”