Wednesfield in Bloom reveals newly-planted rosebushes dedicated to lost loved ones

Volunteers behind the award-winning Wednesfield in Bloom group planted the rose bushes in the area ahead of their latest fundraiser.

It comes after residents across the city were invited to dedicate a red rose in memory of a loved one for a donation.

Wednesfield's remembrance garden, near St Thomas' Church, now boasts a collection of bushes bearing the names of people with links to the city.

Chairwoman Joanna Watson said: "Instead of asking people just to donate money, we have had a number of local residents to buy a rose to remember someone.

"In most cases, it has been people who have had links to the armed forces. We wanted to do something that was a bit longer-lasting."

Reverend Nick Watson dedicated the newly-planted rose bushes during a special service on Saturday.

It came during Wednesfield in Bloom's fundraising coffee morning, which saw group members spread news of their upcoming plans and gather cash to continue their work.

Families visiting the fundraising event had the chance to get stuck in with a host of craft activities, as well as indulge in sweet treats and a cuppa.

Last year, the group won the Gold award in the Urban Community category and the Discretionary award in the Community Achievement category in the Heart of England in Bloom competition.

Mrs Watson said: "We are entirely self funded. We seem to be encouraging other local communities to get involved as well. It's really nice.

"It's just really great to give something back to the community and see how much pleasure it gives people.

"It's been nice for each of us to get to know other people, to have the close links with the church and the gurdwara.

"It's lovely, come the summer, to see people smiling when everything is out and flowering."

Cash raised is used to buy gardening goodies, including compost and seeds which are used by the 30-strong volunteer group to brighten Wednesfield each year.

Plans for the coming year, which will be the fourth time the group has got involved with the regional gardening contest, include working with schools to fill donate wheelbarrows with blossoming flowers.