THE old county of Westmorland should be remembered in a golden haze next spring thanks to the hard work of primary school pupils.

Children from Appleby Primary School have planted more than 1,500 daffodil bulbs in the banks of the river Eden, which will spell out "Appleby-in-Westmorland", recreating a tradition begun in the 1940s by former borough surveyor Fred Balmer.

The project, organised by Margaret Brown and the Appleby Chamber of Trade and Community Association, also had a helping hand from four of Mr Balmer's grandchildren who travelled from across the country to be part of the official planting.

Daughters of Greta Balmer, Iva Harwood, and Zylpha Thomson travelled from Derby and Preston, while the daughter of Jean Balmer, Margaret Lake, came from West Norfolk and the daughter of Beryl Balmer, Elizabeth Rosen, came from Leicester with son of Ella Balmer, Christopher Hargrave, journeying from Mirfield in West Yorkshire to plant their own bulbs in the display, in honour of their grandfather..

Mrs Rosen said: "We are all Balmers and nothing was going to stop us returning to be part of this special day."

Chair of Eden District Council and the Father of Appleby Town Council, Coun Keith Morgan, performed the official opening of the bulb planting day, which was also attended by the Mayoress of Appleby, Rita Rooke.

Coun Morgan said: "The replanting of the town's name in daffodils is one of the better ideas anyone has had for some time. Come the spring, when the town's name is glowing in yellow daffodils, these children will be able to say I did that' with pride. I would like to thank all the volunteers and those who donated to the buy a bulb scheme, for making this special project possible."

Member of Appleby Chamber of Trade and Community, and Brown Owl, Alison Taylor organised the children, who set about the afternoon's work in a group shift system, using the nearby cricket pavilion as shelter.

Alison said: "Appleby Chamber of Trade and Community would like to thank Appleby Cricket Club for making the club house available for the planting day ceremony. It has been a very special day for everyone involved and the children have done an excellent job."