A club has planted itself firmly in the Guinness World Records for the greatest number of people sowing bulbs in one place at the same time.

Last week The Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse received official confirmation that their October record attempt in the town was a world beater.

The bulbs were planted in Butts Close by 636 people to raise awareness of polio in developing countries. Purple crocuses were chosen to represent the dye applied to a child’s little finger to indicate they have been immunised against the disease.

Event organiser Denise Amoss said: “I’d like to thank the residents of Hitchin, the schools, and all the organisations that supported us on the day to help set a new record and spread the message concerning polio eradication.”

Amanda Watkin, Rotary district governor, added: “We will be back at Butts Close in the spring and are all looking forward to seeing a blaze of colour.”