An unloved roundabout in High Wycombe will soon become one of the most beautiful spots in the town after children planted thousands of flowers to mark the eradication of polio around the world.

Dozens of green fingered pupils from High Wycombe C of E School flocked to the magic roundabout and planted 2,500 purple crocuses as part of a national Rotary drive.

Aside from cases in Afghanistan, The Rotary Club is celebrating the eradication of polio across the globe following more than 30 years of dedicated work.

The youngsters were joined by police officers from High Wycombe police station, the mayor of High Wycombe and members of the Chilterns Rangers who all helped to plant the bulbs.

Managing director of the Chiltern Rangers, John Shaw, gave a short talk about the importance of conservation.

Member of the High Wycombe Rotary Club, Bill Reid, said:  “We wanted the children to be involved in the project to see the benefits of it. They will still be there in 30 years time and they will be able to drive past and say “I did that”.

“They have been brilliant, joining in, and the Chiltern Rangers gave a talk about the importance of having flowers and plants and what they have done for the environment.

“We have been working on it – the eradication of polio - for years and years and have put millions of pounds into it and we are just there now with the whole thing.

“Once it is gone – that’s it it’s gone forever.”

The rangers also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of conservation to the pupils during a short talk.

Managing director of the Chiltern Rangers, John Shaw, said: “From our point of view it is about getting the community involved in conversation projects and here we have a local school and local volunteers taking part which is a great way to spread the message.

“We have had nearly 70 people on site this morning to plant the bulbs which is fantastic.

“It is about getting kids engaged. People say all kids do nowadays is sit inside and watch TV but that’s not the case. They’ve been outside planting bulbs all morning have a great time.”

PCSOs Danny Picillo and Jack Boyce from High Wycombe Police Station were also on side to lend a hand as part of Thames Valley Police’s community engagement.

PCSO Picillo said: “Sometimes people might be a bit afraid to approach the police so we try and get ourselves out there as much as we can and engage and talk with people in the community.

“With something like today we can chat to the children so if they ever have a problem they need to come to us for then they feel comfortable in doing so.”