THE approach to Bordon town centre is blooming after 70 flower baskets were erected on lamp posts last Friday to mark the QueenÕs Golden Jubilee.

Initiated by the Rev Hazel OÕSullivan on behalf of the Heartbeat group of churches, the project is something which she believes the whole community can enjoy all summer.

Town mayor Faith Thomas, a member of St Marks Shared Church, worked with Rev OÕSullivan to encourage sponsors for the individual baskets.

Ms OÕSullivan said: ÒFollowing the success of the local campaign to save the Chase Hospital, all those who donated to the cost of a basket felt that it was an excellent way of celebrating the jubilee and also of encouraging a sense of pride in the community.Ó

And the generosity meant that instead of the original target of 50 baskets, it became possible to have 70 erected and maintained between May and October.

The baskets have been placed along the A325 in Bordon and Whitehill and on the connecting roads to the Forest Shopping Centre.

Whitehill Town Council, which sponsored a basket, arranged delivery and maintenance and also organised a three-tier flower tower on the roundabout at the Blackmoor junction of the A325.

And Ms OÕSullivan said the Diocese of Guildford and North East Hampshire Community Council were particularly generous with donations.

She said: ÒThe organisers hope that the transformation, which will be completed as the baskets begin to bloom over the next few weeks, will encourage more local businesses and individuals to participate next year.Ó

And she added: ÒWith enough people getting involved, we might even enter ÔBordon in BloomÕ for the national competition!Ó

Anyone wishing to sponsor a basket for next year should contact mayor Faith Thomas on 01420 478298.