More than 100 schoolchildren planted thousands of bulbs in a Cockermouth park in preparation for next year's Daffodil Day.

It is hoped their efforts will inspire lots more people to dig out their trowels.

Cockermouth Rotary Club revealed its plans earlier this year for a special day to celebrate the town and Wordsworth.

It has raised £3,500 through donations and grants and bought 40,000 bulbs. The school planting session in Harris Park marked the beginning of a busy few weeks.

"We have a window of another two or three weeks to get them planted in order that they will give us a good display on April 2," said organiser Ray Day.

A specialist vehicle has been ordered to plant thousand of bulbs on the main roads heading to Cockermouth.

Teams of volunteers will be planting along the roadsides leading into town.

Ray, who is hoping more people and groups will volunteer to help with the work, said: "We have approval from the local authorities, who have been very supportive, and private individuals.

"We are urging as many people as possible to plant daffodils so that the town has a superb display.

"And if anyone else would like to donate then we can buy even more bulbs."

Nine local primary schools helped plant bulbs on Tuesday morning. Each of the schools was given 300 bulbs of a different species. Each school was allocated its own planting area and a plaque to put in the ground on completion.

Allerdale council contractors had prepared the land earlier and were on hand to help.

There are plans for other events which will tie in with Daffodil Day, such as art exhibitions, talks, and poetry competitions.

Anyone who would like to donate or help plant bulbs should contact Ray on 07774893965.