TRADERS are chipping in to make their area of Bournemouth blossom by the time the Olympic torch passes through.

It is hoped a total of £3,500 will be raised by businesses and other donations for Winton in Bloom to showcase Wimborne Road as an attractive spot for shoppers.

Rob and Wayne Sheppard from the Quickpics photography shop have become involved again after a break and are looking to make the shopping street as picturesque as possible with a wealth of flowers.

Rob, who is secretary of Winton in Bloom, thanked councillors and Bournemouth in Bloom for making donations as well as fellow traders.

He said: “We thought it would be important to have it for this year and we’ve had a lot of support from the councillors and traders so it’s been brilliant.

It is planned that by the time the torch is carried through on Friday, July 13, the street will have around 32 blooming hanging baskets, two pedestals and flowers on the bus shelters.

“It certainly makes a difference when you’ve got some colour,” Rob added.

Wayne said he is hoping traders will stay open if the torch is carried through in the early evening as he expects.

Rob and Wayne had stepped back from Winton in Bloom but have now decided to help to rejuvenate it.

He said: “Three or four years ago it became a bit too much for us and it was handed over to other people. We decided to get back into it as we’ve got a lot of contacts in Winton.”

They are hoping it will make the area look impressive for Winton Carnival on Saturday, June 30, too.

Donations can be made by calling 01202 528134.

Each of the three Bournemouth Borough Councillors for the ward donated £250 out of their Local Improvement Fund (LIF) for Winton in Bloom.

Councillor Anniina Davie said their LIF money was also used for Charminster in Bloom this year for new pedastal planters.