Twenty thousand purple crocus bulbs will come into bloom in Caterham in the next two weeks as part of the campaign - End Polio Now! - by Rotary worldwide to eradicate Polio from the planet.

Last October The Rotary Clubs of Caterham linked up with many schools in Caterham and Warlingham and open sites in Caterham's Hill and Valley to plant the tiny crocus bulbs. In Queen's Park Caterham, the centre of the activity, a Crocus Maze of 7,000 purple bulbs has been planted and local residents now have the opportunity to sponsor the 100 plus sections. All monies donated will go towards funding the purchase of the vaccine. Every ￡1 raised purchases five doses of the special anti-polio vaccine.- 20p per child. Children in countries where the disease is still classed as endemic will be protected against polio.

Mike Smith Rotary Club of Caterham President said: "End Polio Now! really does save lives. The colour purple is symbolic of the dye used to mark a little child's finger once they have been vaccinated against polio. This is known as purple pinkie. There are hundreds of thousands of children in the four remaining endemic countries, marking their pinkie finger is the best way to keep track of who is protected and who needs the medicine. It's wonderful to think that we are giving tiny children in countries thousands of miles away a chance at avoiding this crippling disease which can sometimes claim lives."

The Rotary Clubs will be in Caterham's Church Walk and Valley for the next two weekends promoting End Polio Now! For details on how to sponsor the Queens Park Maze see www.caterhamrotary.org.uk or call 020 8763 9077.