HAMPSHIRE schoolchildren are hoping to see the fruits of their labour this Spring after planting bulbs in support of a worldwide Rotary campaign.

Hiltingbury Infant school is looking forward a sea of purple crocus flowers which will also show their support for the international End Polio Now movement.

Every pupil at the Chandler’s Ford school had the opportunity to plant a bulb after listening to how Rotary had led the campaign to eradicate the world from the disease in a special assembly.

A total of 1,000 bulbs donated by Chandler’s Ford and Itchen Valley Rotary were planted at both Hiltingbury and nearby Merdon Junior school in support of the campaign.

The purple crocus has become a symbol of Rotary’s fight to end polio, as the colour purple represents the colour of the dye placed on a child’s finger to show they have been immunised against the disease in some developing countries.

Hiltingbury Infant school headteacher Cathy Moden said: “We were delighted to support Rotary and look forward to seeing the fruits of the children’s labour when we will once again be reminded of the of End Polio Now campaign.”

Member of the Chandler’s Ford and Itchen Valley Rotary and governor at the school Bob Dalton said: “We are very grateful to the support shown from our local schools. It was a great opportunity to raise awareness about the campaign.”