WALL Heath residents and traders have been bringing colour to the village as part of early efforts to take part in the famous Britain In Bloom campaign.

A team of community-minded people, who call themselves the Wall Heath Village People, have been brightening up roadsides with bedding plants and shrubs to help the village blossom ahead of plans to join the national Bloom campaign.

Councillor Natalie Neale, who is championing their efforts, said: "We've done a lot of community work. We're not entering this year - we're going to have a bit of a practice run to make sure people look after the flowers. We've planted 23 pots and 30 baskets. The village looks really, really pretty and it just brings the community together."

A number of businesses and organisations have sponsored the initiative including Ashwood Nurseries which donated the plants, plus Amblecote Furnishers, Snows Timber, Helping Hands, Marstons and the Horse and Jockey pub.

Stourbridge in Bloom co-ordinator David Harcourt has also offered up a few tips for success in the campaign - as Stourbridge has won seven consecutive gold awards.