A drive to improve Norwich's historic churchyards has had a successful start after generous gardeners donated hundreds of snowdrops.

Volunteers from the Norwich Society planted the donated snowdrops, as well aconite and small cyclamen bulbs, at St Margaret's in St Benedict Street on Saturday.

The project, by George Ishmael of the Heavenly Gardens Project and Tony Hufton of the Norwich Society, involved designing a layout of flowering bulbs using varieties from the late medieval period. Members of the society came forward with offers of bulbs and gardening skills and a public appeal for more snowdrops saw even more donated on the day.

Mr Ishmael, a trustee of the Norwich Historic Churches Trust which looks after the St Margaret de Westwick church, said: 'We have had a fantastic response and I'm hoping we might get a regular group of volunteers to help in the churchyards.'

Vicky Manthorpe, of the Norwich Society, said: 'People have driven in with trays of snowdrops, and we're so thankful as it's going to make such a big difference.'

To volunteer to improve the churchyards, call Mr Ishmael on 07969 053609.