THE EFFORTS of volunteers who worked tirelessly to embellish their village with colourful flower displays have been praised.

Councillor Mark Jenkinson, chairman of Seaton parish council, praised villagers who gave up their time to prepare the area for the visit of Cumbria in Bloom’s judges.

Mr Jenkinson said: “There’s been a tremendous effort. We entered last year for the first time and we were very reliant on councillors and council contractors to do the planting. This year the volunteer base has grown and they’ve done a sterling job.”

The village’s entry was put at risk when its plant supplier let it down at the last minute. But volunteers came up with a solution and purchased their plants from Bank Mill Nurseries, in Beckfoot, which at the time was struggling due to the closure of the B5300, the main road to it.

Coun Jenkinson said: “One of the volunteers spotted an appeal to support Bank Mill and the decision was made to buy the plants from them. The quality of the plants and the service we got was great. We were delighted to be able to help them and do our little bit when they were suffering.”

The theme of the flower displays, all made from recycled materials, is based around Seaton’s development as a settlement with a mining heritage, farming and the sea.

At the village’s Pack Horse, volunteers Gill Brinicombe and Lynne Hardman have developed the farming theme, which has been combined with a representation of John Wesley, whose visit to Seaton in the 1700s is depicted with him preaching to his ‘flock’ At Jackson Street Play Area.

Seaton Rainbows and Seaton Academy also joined in the efforts. A flower bed has been developed by Seaton Rainbows, led by Vicky Smart, where the Rainbows have collected and painted a beach pebble each and brought a shell from their holidays, in support of the sea based theme. There are also fish made and decorated from serving trays by Seaton Academy pupils adorning Jackson Street Play Area fencing and Seaton Academy railings.

Mrs Hardman said: “We’re very happy with how things have gone and how the whole community got involved, especially the children, and it’s good to see how much nicer the village looks.

“The judges were very impressed with some of the displays.”

Next year the volunteers will work with Grow West, which supports people with disabilities, and they will grow the plants needed in Seaton for Cumbria in Bloom. The group is appealing for more volunteers to join them for next year’s entry. Anyone interested should contact the parish council.