VOLUNTEERS have started to raise £19,000 to take part in the national Britain in Bloom finals.

The Saltburn in Bloom group has already been promised £1,500 from Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council and £500 from the town's 500 Club. Other applications are pending but the bulk of the cash must be raised from community events, including a table-top sale arranged for Saturday, March 8, from 10am to noon, at the Saltburn Community Centre on Windsor Road.

Members of the public have also been given the chance to sponsor a flower tub at £54, a hanging basket at £36 or lamppost at £74. People often sponsor the flower receptacles in the name of a loved one.

Call (01287) 624046 for more information.