PEOPLE showed how much they care for their area by turning out in force to plant thousands of bulbs.

A group of more than 30 people wrapped up against the cold to plant the 7,000 bulbs along Cleveland Road and on the corner of West View Road, in Hartlepool.

The project aims to make the Headland look more attractive and will hopefully attract more visitors when the snowdrop and crocus bulbs bloom next spring and summer.

The planting was carried out by the St Hilda's Ward bulb planting group led by Councillor John Marshall and his partner Darlene Flounders.

They were joined by members of the Central Estate Residents Association and pupils and staff from St Bega's Primary School.

The planting was supported by Hartlepool Borough Council's Pride in Hartlepool environmental campaign which awarded a grant of £500.

A further £500 funding has also been approved and this will pay for a second bulb planting session in the new year.

Coun Marshall said: "We have two main aims - to make the Headland look nicer and to get our children involved in helping to look after the local environment.

"It gives the youngsters a bit of ownership and, hopefully, encourages them to respect the area.

"I would like to thank everyone who took part in the first planting session and I would urge as many local people as possible to support us when we plant some more bulbs in the new year."

No date has been set yet for the planting session.

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact Coun Marshall on (01429) 280048.