WINTER may be just around the corner but Hartlepool's Headland is already planning ahead for next spring.

Thousands of daffodil, crocus, bluebell, tulip and snowdrop bulbs are being planted around the town.

The planting is being organised by Hartlepool Borough Council's Pride in Hartlepool campaign, and the bulbs have been purchased with help from two local companies - Heerema and Gus Robinson Developments.

Keeley Metcalfe, the council's community environmental action officer, said: "The aim is to bring a blaze of colour to the area when the bulbs flower next year.

"Hopefully, this will help to impress visitors and also brighten up the area for local residents."

Two of the locations where bulbs have been planted are at the West View Road and Cleveland Road junction and near to Hartlepool Rovers' Friarage rugby ground in West View Road.

Youngsters from St Helen's, St Bega's and St John Vianney primary schools have helped with the planting, as have members of the Gateway Group at the council's Warren Road Day Centre for adults with learning disabilities and community volunteers.