ROTARY clubs across Oswestry and the borderlands have come together to plant crocus bulbs ahead of commemorations for World Polio Day.

Oswestry Cambrian Rotary, together with Oswestry Rotary Club and Borderland Rotary Club have come together as part of worldwide Rotary's commitment to eradicating the disease, which is commemorated on Saturday, October 24.

Members, including Cath Baldry of Oswestry Cambrian, have been working to upgrade and treat the purple crocuses the club planted four years ago on the roundabout outside the entrance to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen with new bulbs being added.

A club spokesman said: "Polio is a debilitating disease mainly affecting children, which can cause paralysis and even death.

"This year we have seen the declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that Africa is now Polio free after its last case was recorded over four years ago.

"This incredible milestone is the result of decades of effort from Rotary clubs and volunteers around the world, who have fundraised, campaigned and worked tirelessly since Rotary pledged to rid the world of polio more than 30 years ago – the work continues.

"Just two drops of vaccine on the tongue that costs less than £1 is all that is required.

"Globally, more than 2.5 billion children have been protected against the disease, which has reduced the number of cases by 99.9 per cent per day in 125 countries."