HAPPINESS was in full bloom across as beautiful bouquets were left in busy town locations to cheer up unsuspecting passers-by.

Fifty beautiful bunches of flowers were placed in numerous places, including the Great Western Hospital, Haydon Wick Community Centre, Swindon's HSBC, the Core in Old Town and Nationwide headquarters in Pipers Way.

The flowers were donated by the Wroughton Floral Art Society as part of Lonely Bouquet Day, dreamed up by NAFAS (the National Association of Floral Artists Society), which aims to spread friendship and love one bunch at a time.

Bouquets are left in random places for people to pick them up and are designed to spontaneously brighten someone’s day.

The Wroughton group bought all the flowers from a wholesaler using their own funds, with chairman Sue Castle saying there was a fantastic atmosphere on the day.

“We wanted to do something that would benefit the whole community and brighten someone’s day,” she said.

“We’ve enjoyed ourselves, we all met at the group and we always have a good time whether it’s learning something new or watching a demonstration, we’ re always looking for new members too.”

Ten members of the group spent the morning at Jessamine Cottage Bed and Breakfast, in Drove Road, which Sue owns, trimming flowers, tying ribbons and writing labels to prepare for the mass drop-off.

Sue said: “It’s about giving people a good feeling and lifting them throughout the day.

“It really cheered the group up making the bouquets and it really cheered people up seeing them.”

Spreading the floral feeling is something the Wroughton Floral Art Society is keen to encourage, especially among the younger generations, she said.

“There is this perception that only women of a certain age are interested in flower arranging and we want to change that and get more young people involved,” Sue added.

“It is something that’s becoming increasingly popular with events like the Chelsea Flower Show showing what a skill it is.”

The day also coincided with National Flower Arranging Day which raises awareness of the fun that can be had arranging flowers with friends.

The group will hold their next event, a floral demonstration and afternoon tea, on June 13 at Ellendune Hall in Wroughton.

To buy tickets, priced at £17.50, or for more details, please visit wroughtonfloralart.co.uk.