SANDERS Park will be turning purple, after pupils planted hundreds of crocus bulbs to raise awareness of the battle to eradicate polio.

Children from Dodford First School planted Ruby Giant purple crocuses, donated by the rotary clubs of Bromsgrove and North Worcestershire, to match the colour of the dye used to mark the finger of a child who has been immunised.

The ground near the entrance in Kidderminster Road was prepared for the students by regular Sanders Park volunteers and Bromsgrove District Council park officers.

Cllr Peter Whittaker said: "It’s a pleasure to help facilitate this work for Purple4Polio in the park. We’re always delighted to improve the park and bring people together, especially for a good cause like eradicating disease.”

Polio remains endemic in Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan, but the number of countries has fallen from 125, thanks to polio vaccinations.

Rotary member Mike Marshall said: “The enthusiastic participation of children from Dodford School was most welcome and hopes that the message about ridding polio would spread widely. As a club we look forward to the spring and the colourful display as a further reminder."