GREEN-fingered pupils from schools in Calne have been tending to the town’s flowerbeds this week in preparation for the 2015 South West in Bloom competition.

Six primary schools, Holy Trinity, St Dunstan, St Margaret’s, St Edmunds, Fynamore and Priestley, have all had pupils involved in the past week ahead of judging on July 8.

Springfields Academy, a school for children with complex learning, emotional, social and behavioural difficulties, had 20 primary pupils assisting with a Station Road planter, as well as the school’s own allotment, while students from St Mary’s School have also been getting their hands dirty.

St Dunstan headteacher, David Mayer, said: "It was a stunning day to be out and about in the community. The children loved helping to make the town look great by helping with the planting of some beautiful flowers that are sure to really make the place come alive with colour over the next few weeks and months.

“It’s great that our pupils can get such a hands-on experience of making where we live better for everyone.”

Last year Calne won a gold award from the South West in Bloom judges, a feat they’re hoping to repeat this time around.

And the schools aren’t the only ones putting in the hard yards as young people were also getting involved at the recently open Skate Bowl.

The Bowl group has had a Big Dig event to work on landscaping around the bowl and the local Air Cadets have offered themselves as a mobile volunteer task force helping any of the groups that need it.

A Calne Town Council spokesman said: “We would urge the whole community to help by making sure that they can have a tidy up outside of their houses and shops. The In Bloom campaign is beneficial to the whole community.

“Benefits include a brighter, cleaner and greener local area, working on neglected areas to give them a new lease of life and it’s a way to get to know the people in our community and have some fun.”

Calne in Bloom volunteers are hoping that the campaign will benefit all residents as well as providing a boost to the local economy and increased tourism.

Local gardeners can also get involved in the town’s Calne in Bloom Competition which has a deadline of June 26. Categories for the Calne in Bloom competition include Best Front Garden, Best Front Container Garden, Best Back Garden, Best Residential/Community Garden and Best Licensed Premises.

To enter or nominate someone call Trudy King, Calne in Bloom Coordinator at Calne Town Council, on (01249) 814000 or email tking@calne.gov.uk