BARNOLDSWICK'S bid to be crowned the best blooming town in Britain begins next Wednesday when the town’s bloom group host a special evening at The Rainhall Centre.

Barnoldswick in Bloom is holding a ‘Bee Buffet’ with food donated by Indian takeaway Usmaniyah and short talks on gardening for wildlife and living with bees.

The event will mark the formal launch of a ‘bee friendly’ initiative which aims to put the ‘Bee’ back in Barnoldswick.

“Our work is aimed at gardening for wildlife and encouraging pollinators, especially bumblebees,” said a bloom organiser David Whipp. “We’re delighted that Usmaniyah is donating a delicious buffet to help launch our initiative. All the money raised will be invested in Barnoldswick in Bloom projects to help support bee populations.”

Bloom volunteers are already buzzing with activity. With the support of local company Leggett and Platt, Barnoldswick Town Council and Pendle Council, the bloom team has already carried out a major project to transform grass verges into wildflower meadows on Kelbrook Road.

“We’ve sown wildflower seed this week and we’re hoping this will germinate successfully and provide bee friendly habitat this summer. The project is a trial to see if managing verges in this way is sustainable.”

Barnoldswick in Bloom’s Bee Buffet will take place at 7pm on Wednesday in The Rainhall Centre.

Tickets cost £6 and are available from bloom members, House of Flowers, Usmaniyah, the Civic Hall and Rainhall Centre. Subject to availability, entrance on the evening is £8.

The bloom team is also holding a Community Action Day this Saturday and everyone is invited to come along.