RESIDENTS are being encouraged to use flower power to brighten up streets of terraced houses.

More than 300 local residents have taken part in workshops over the past 12 months, to be trained in making hanging baskets to display on the outside of their homes in Middlesbrough.

The sessions are being repeated this month. For £2.50, residents in the town's Newport, West Lane and Whinney Banks areas will get expert tuition and one hanging basket plus its contents to take away.

The scheme is being funded at a cost of £1,300 in Government money, through the West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT).

Joan Ford, its chairwoman, said: "The hanging basket training is a great, inexpensive way to get people active, green up the streets and involve local people in brightening up their neighbourhoods.

"We've tried to choose days and times to suit everyone this year, with sessions on evenings and weekends, so we really hope people take up this great offer like they have before."

The venues and dates for the sessions are: St Cuthbert's Youth and Community Centre, Whitehouse Street, Saturday, from 10am to 2pm; Newport Neighbourhood Centre, St Paul's Road, Monday, from 6pm to 8pm; Trinity Methodist Church, Stainsby Road, Friday, May 27, from 10am to 2pm.

Residents who want to join a workshop must book a place in advance by collecting a pre-paid voucher from the WMNT offices at Melbourne House, Newport Road.

For more details, call Donna Smith on (01642) 230555 or freephone 0800 0833731.