DOZENS of decorated wheelbarrows could once again brighten up Haddington this summer.

Residents throughout the town are being urged to spread some cheer, with the help of brightly coloured wheelbarrows, as part of Blooming Haddington’s annual wheelbarrow trail.

Last year’s event – the third of its kind – attracted more than 40 entries, with a healthy number expected once again this year.

A spokesperson for the green-fingered voluntary group encouraged people to sign up.

They said: “The aim is to have wheelbarrows around Haddington brightening up our streets for the wider community to appreciate.

“We are looking for inspirational and quirky entries so please give it your full wheelbarrow creativity around the theme ‘Year of Stories’.”

Entries are split into the following categories: individual, organisation, business and neighbourhood, with all wheelbarrows entered into a public vote.

Blooming Haddington volunteers have been busy throughout the winter as they work to get the town looking its best.

About 150 hanging baskets, planted in jubilee colours, are to be placed throughout the town before the end of the month and ahead of the extended bank holiday June 2-5 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend.

The Blooming Haddington spokesperson added: “Blooming Haddington are a group of volunteers dedicated to creating colourful floral displays and enhancing a sense of pride throughout the town.

“We started the wheelbarrow trail as part of our entry to the 2019 Britain in Bloom competition.

“Last year, we were awarded a ‘Gold’ in the medium town category by Keep Scotland Beautiful.

“This year we have registered to enter the Keep Scotland Beautiful competition and the Keep Scotland Beautiful theme for this year is ‘Year of Stories’.

Prizes will be awarded for the first, second and third placed wheelbarrows in each category.

To enter, email name, address and category to: bloominghaddington@gmail.com by July 1.

Wheelbarrows must be ready by July 23 and judging will take place in the week beginning August 14.

The wheelbarrows will also feature in the presentation and tour of the town given to judges from Keep Scotland Beautiful.