WORKMEN have been busy sprucing up a town in time for the start of the tourism season.

Signs around Leek have been given a lick of paint and the area around the Nicholson War Memorial is to be planted with blooms.

Last year's display won praise from residents and town councillors are hoping for a similar success this year.

The town council is also ordering floral containers at a cost of just over £2,000 as part of its efforts for Leek in Bloom.

Councillor Steve Povey said: "We are focusing on quality rather than quantity. The display at The Monument last year was fantastic.

"They are also painting the finger posts, which I first asked for three years ago."