THE Rotary Club of Altrincham wants the town to be filled with purple blooms - to show its support for the Purple4Polio campaign, which aims to rid the world of polio.

The club is teaming up with North West in Bloom community groups to transform and brighten up public spaces by planting purple crocus corms across the town. Schools, clubs and voluntary groups are all being urged to get involved in the initiative.

The colour purple has been chosen as it represents the colour of the dye which is placed on the little finger of a child on mass immunisation days.

Stephen Woods, president of the Rotary Club of Altrincham, said: “As a club we have worked tirelessly to ensure that polio is eradicated for good, and with fewer cases being reported we believe we can end this deadly disease forever.”

The national campaign, which was launched by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, is being supported by legendary singer-songwriter Donovan and TV presenter Konnie Huq, to encourage everyone to join together in the final push to eradicate polio worldwide.

There have been promising steps, with just 18 cases of polio recorded so far this year.

To make a polio free world a reality, Rotary, which started the campaign to eradicate polio more than 30 years ago and has spearheaded this major health initiative ever since, is determined to raise awareness and funds to finish off the job.

Over the past 30 years, the amount of polio-endemic countries has dropped from 125 to two, with more than 2.5 billion children receiving vaccinations thanks to the help of Rotary.

With eradication now closer than ever, Rotary’s latest campaign is designed to unite communities to support its efforts.

* People can get involved in the campaign by contacting www.secretary@altrincham.rotary1285.org or the Rotary Club project chairman, Karen Wroe, on 07990 970555 or e mail Karen@artwithaheart.org.uk or call into community arts centre Art with a Heart, opposite Altrincham Interchange.