A POPULAR scheme that aims to bring a touch of colour to drab urban areas kicks off again this week.

Community groups, parish councils and schools across the county will have the chance to go green by applying for free trees and bulbs from Groundwork Hertfordshire.

The environmental charity is giving away 3,000 native trees and 30,000 daffodil bulbs to urban groups in a bid to enhance their appearance and improve and create habitats for wildlife.

The scheme which is now in its thirteenth year has been immensely popular and consistently inundated with applications.

Groundwork's community link officer Geoff Bunce said: 'It is a great way for schools and local groups to get actively involved in improving their environment without being faced with the usual problem of finding the money to do it.'

For an application form contact Groundwork Hertfordshire at Mill Green, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5PE, or call on 01707 260129. The closing date for applications is September 22.