Adventurous plans are under way to make the borough even more beautiful with fabulous flower displays – both real and knitted.

The annual South East in Bloom campaign has, for the past two years, seen Gravesham awarded silver gilt awards.

This year, Gravesham council says it is going for gold.

All local businesses and residents within a mile of the town centre are being asked to get involved by decorating their garden with flowers and as much colour as possible.

But as part of this year’s entry, the council has come up with a quirky idea. As well as the usual hanging baskets and floral displays, some of the areas will be decorated with knitted flowers.

The council has pulled together an ‘urban knitting group’ of volunteers.

The group met for the first time last month to start knitting and crocheting flowers and they will also be making metres of bunting.

The group will meet every Monday from noon until 2pm at the Woodville, Gravesend. Everyone is welcome.

One of the volunteers is Margaret Vane, who has been knitting for about 70 years.

Mrs Vane, of Livingstone Road, Gravesend, said: “I just really enjoy knitting. At the moment I’m making butterflies and all different size flowers. It’s a bit of a challenge.”

Sheena Biggs, of Northridge Road, Gravesend said: “I thought I would come along as I enjoy knitting. I’ve been knitting for about 59 years.”

Emily Norris, the director in charge of the campaign, said: “They start knitting here. They exchange patterns and then they finish them off at home and bring them back.

"We just want to brighten the place up and make people smile.”

Sandra Pring said: “I’ve always knitted and found out about this in an email. I’ve been knitting ever since I was five.”

South East in Bloom will be judged in July.

To get involved email melanie.norris@gravesham.gov.uk or Jackie.bowles@gravesham.gov.uk.