RESIDENTS of a north Durham village are looking forward to enjoying a colourful springtime flower display after more than 400 bulbs were planted by two local businesses.
The crocus bulbs were planted in an area of open space outside Graham Court - a sheltered housing scheme owned by Cestria Community Housing, situated in the village of Sacriston.
Properties in the area owned by the association are undergoing improvement work, being carried out by Frank Haslam Milan, (FHM) North East, and staff from both organisations were joined by sub-contractors for the planting.
The event was part of Durham County Council's 2011 Bulb Planting Challenge, in which local groups are provided with 200 free bulbs and asked to provide a further 200 themselves.
Despite being faced with rain on the day of the planting, the FHM and Cestria volunteers dug deep and managed to plant an impressive 450 bulbs in just a matter of hours.
Heather Miller, lead resident liaison officer at FHM, organised the event. She said: "The idea of the Bulb Planting Challenge is to brighten up neighbourhoods across County Durham.
"We are always keen to contribute to the communities in which we work and this seemed like an ideal opportunity to join forces with Cestria and make a difference to Sacriston.
"Planting the bulbs in the front garden of Graham Court means when the flowers come out in spring they can be enjoyed by the whole village."
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