The village is bidding to lift an award in this year's Britain in Bloom – one of the longest running and well known environmental competitions in the United Kingdom.

It is run regionally by North West in Bloom.

The aim is to encourage people to improve their surroundings through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping.

Freckleton has won awards in the past, and organisers are appealing to residents to muck in next Tuesday, July 15, for one last big tidy up.

Coun Tommy Threlfall explained: "We are asking residents to come and help clean their village for judging the following day.

"The message is, it's your living environment and we are asking you for a couple of hours, one night a year, to get together and clean the village and have a bit of fun meeting other people."

Coun Threlfall, a founder member of the local initiative, said: "Flower beds, baskets and floral displays in the village have been brought about by Freckleton in Bloom, alongside Freckleton Parish Council."

Some 120,000 bulbs – including snowdrops crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and tulips – have been planted in the village and will continue to flower for years to come.

"We want to get the community involved in the place they live in," said coun Threfall. "A little bit from everyone can achieve much."

Those wishing to help out in Freckleton next Tuesday evening are asked to meet at the war memorial at 6pm.