A shout out to the Egremont community for contributions towards the RHS Cumbria in Bloom competition has generated money and plants for this year's entry.

Egremont Town Council appealed for floral donations, in the Whitehaven News, to help decorate the entrance to Egremont Castle.

Memory Lane, situated on Main Street, Egremont has responded to the appeal with a welcome boost of £100 towards planting.

Volunteers Brian Weaver, Betty Regan, Val Whitehead and Elizabeth Regan, who work at the shop, presented Councillor Sam Pollen with the cheque.

A spokesman for the town council said: "We are delighted with their public spirited support towards the planting and entry of the town into the Cumbria in Bloom competition."

Lord and Lady Egremont have also agreed to donate three Egremont russet apple trees which will be planted in the grounds later in the year.

The russet apple is native to the area and was bred at Petworth by the Lord Egremont of the day, the third Earl, in the late 18th century.

A spokesman for the council said: "This is a much appreciated gesture and we hope the trees thrive and be there for years to come."

There is still time for people to donate a plant for the competition.

They can be dropped off at the Town Council office from Monday to Friday between 9am to 1pm, or call the council on 01946 820254 to make other delivery arrangements.

Egremont Town Council would like to thank those local residents who have already donated plants. A spokesman said: "It is very much appreciated and we look forward to seeing them in their new home shortly."

The council are hoping to follow on from the towns success last year when Egremont was awarded the silver-gilt award at the Cumbria in Bloom competition.