A DEVASTATED community pulled together yesterday to bring its town back to its former glory.

The people of Saltburn, east Cleveland, were shocked when a mystery poisoner slipped weedkiller into a contractor's water tank used to water hundreds of colourful hanging baskets and displays.

The floral displays had been arranged to impress the Britain in Bloom judges who are due in the town soon.

Yesterday, volunteers were working hard to take down all the ruined baskets and displays so the dead plants could be taken to be incinerated in preparation for the new flowers, which are due to be planted today.

Jackie Taylor, organiser of Saltburn in Bloom, said: "The local community have been as fantastic today as they always are. But we've also had helpers come from Carlin Howe, Hinderwell, and Redcar. I've really been bowled over by the amount of help we've had."

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council cabinet yesterday agreed that £2,000 should be made available to Saltburn from a budget earmarked for grant aid to the Community Safety Partnership.

Members also agreed thatplants from the council-run Kirkleatham nursery should be donated.