GREEN-fingered residents are being asked to dig in to brighten up their town.

Kearsley in Bloom Festival 2017 launches next week and organisers are looking to the community to get involved.

The appeal follows the success of last year's event, in which hundreds of people plant flowers and design displays for the area's first In Bloom festival.

This year there will be no official competition but it is hoped that neighbours will team up to put out their best displays.

Stephen Tonge, one of the organisers, said they were once again working with Giants Seat Garden Centre in Ringley to replenish existing planters and hoped even more people would join in.

He added: "The purpose of the festival is to bring the community together and to brighten up the Kearsley community with flowers and plants.

"If enough people take part we feel the effect will be stunning."

Residents, schools, businesses, churches and community groups are all invited to get on board and help the town bloom for the event which runs from Monday until August 31.

They have been asked to consider placing a hanging basket, planter or display around their premises and 'upcycle' items such as wheelbarrows, barrels and watering cans to add to the effect.

Last year a number of successful displays were launched which will be making a comeback.

Giant community picture frames put in place around the area will also be replenished and visitors are encouraged to take part in the popular 'picture frame safari' by snapping themselves in the frames and posting them to the group's Facebook page.

The giant frames can be found at Sparrow Park near Pilkington Road, Europa Estate entrance in Stoneclough Road, Ringley Bridge and Manchester Road near the Moss Lane Junction.

Local company Easylawn will also be supplying the "biggest Planter in Bolton" which will once again take pride of place in Kearsley precinct.

Existing planters and displays around the community are sponsored by local businesses and anyone wishing to sponsor one this year is asked to contact the committee for details.

For more information contact kearsleyinbloom@hotmail.com, visit the Kearsley in Bloom Facebook page or call 01204 864800.