Organisers behind a bid to plant one million bulbs in the Sid Valley are appealing for volunteers to get their hands dirty for the next stage of the project scheduled to begin later this month.

The latest round of planting, led by the Sid Vale Association (SVA), will see 250,000 bulbs buried in the parish – 70,000 more than last year’s total.

And Sidmouth residents, both young and old, are being encouraged to put on their wellies and roll up their sleeves to ensure a beautiful daffodil display next spring.

“We all learned a lot from the 2013 experience, and some of our tools and methods have since been adapted,” said SVA vice president Ed Harrison. “As many found out last year, guidance is given on how and where to plant.

“Helping each other, two planters can plant at least 500 bulbs in an hour, regardless of age.”

A bulb planting day for the whole town is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, with more details to appear in the Herald closer to the time.

The scheme is realising the dying wish of Canadian banker Keith Owen, who left the Sid Valley his £2.3million fortune.

The Reverend Handel Bennett, SVA president, said the bulbs have already begun to arrive at Sidmouth Garden Centre in preparation for planting later this month.

He added the project had been made possible thanks to assistance from the garden centre, Devon County Council and SafeguardGB for providing road signs and bollards at no charge.

Mr Bennett said: “And we are grateful to county councillor Stuart Hughes for covering the cost from his locality budget.”

Anyone who is able to lend a hand for an hour or two is asked to submit their contact details through the ‘million bulbs’ page on the SVA’s website at www.sidvaleassociation.org.uk

Residents without a computer can leave their contact details in an envelope marked ‘bulbs’ with staff at Sidmouth Museum.