The Forest School area at Rosehill Methodist Primary Academy in Ashton will soon be in bloom, after pupils took part in a nationwide campaign the 'Big Plant' in aid of 'Purple4Polio'.

Thanks to the kind support of Tameside Rotary Club, the school was gifted 500 purple crocus bulbs – a symbol of Rotary International’s 'Purple4Polio' campaign to eradicate polio throughout the world.

The colour was chosen to reflect that in some countries children have their fingers dipped in purple dye to show that they have been vaccinated against the disease.

During the mammoth planting event, pupils from across the school were also joined by Councillor Mike Glover, Civic Mayor of Tameside, who picked up a spade and got digging.

Gemma Yapp, head teacher at the school, which is part of Epworth Education Trust, said: “We were so lucky to be involved in the Big Plant, something that schools and community groups across the country have been taking part in. Our thanks go to the team at Tameside Rotary Club, we’ve been overwhelmed with their generosity.

“Alongside its symbolic purpose of raising awareness of vaccination against polio, the event provided a valuable opportunity for the children to learn more about the vital role that spring plants have to play as a food source for early pollinators.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to Councillor Mike Glover for coming to the event. The children were delighted that even the Mayor got involved with planting the bulbs. We can’t wait to see these beautiful flowers in bloom.”

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