WINTER could be far more colourful this year in Harpenden thanks to the efforts of local Rotarians and Scouts.

This week they are planting thousands of purple crocus bulbs at three high-visibility sites in the town as part of a drive by Rotarians worldwide to eradicate polio.

Rotarians from Harpenden Village and St Albans Priory Rotary Clubs and the Second Harpenden Scouts have planted 5,000 bulbs on the verges of the A1081 at Beesonend Lane and opposite Batford Mill. This weekend they will be finishing with a third planting session at Kinsbourne Green.

Cedric Kennedy, Harpenden Village Rotary Club president, said: “If you’ve had difficulty buying purple crocus bulbs this autumn you can blame Rotary. Four and a quarter million crocuses are being planted by Rotarians throughout Britain and Ireland so that, in February next year, the British Isles will turn purple.

“That country-wide splash of purple next February will mark the start of fund-raising efforts under the banner Thanks for Life – End Polio Now.”