HUNDREDS of bulbs are set to reveal a special shape when they bloom after being planted near Chard's landmark beacon.
Chard's Rotary Club joined thousands across the world in taking action on World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio.
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Chard's Rotary branch, and the local members planted several hundred crocus corms to mark the two occasions.
When they flower, the new plants will form the shape of Rotary's logo at their new home in Mitchell Gardens, Chard.
The floral design will also bloom in purple, a colour which has been adopted by many helping to fight the disease.
Chris Bagg, from Chard Rotary Club, said: "This vaccine preventable disease still threatens children in parts of the world today.
"If polio is not eradicated, it is estimated that, within 10 years, as many as 200,000 children annually all over the world could succumb to polio, including here in the UK.
"In support of World Polio Day and to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Rotary here in Chard, the Rotary Club members planted several hundred crocus corms in the shape of the Rotary emblem in front of the beacon at Mitchell Gardens, Chard."
In August, Rotary and the world celebrated a significant milestone, as the World Health Organization certified the Africa region, which includes 47 countries, free from wild polio.
Chris added: "Many polio related activities use the colour purple, which has become a symbolic colour in the fight against polio, inspired by the colour of the dye painted on the little finger of a child to signify they have received a potentially life-saving polio vaccine.
"Globally, more than 2.5 billion children have been protected against the disease, which have reduced the number of cases by 99.9% from around 1,000 cases per day in 125 countries.
"Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million each year to support global polio eradication efforts and thanks to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation every £1 we raise is matched 2-to-1 so is worth £3."
Only Pakistan and Afghanistan remain as the two polio endemic countries in the world.
"The members of Chard Rotary Club are proud to have been involved in marking World Polio Day locally and recognising the work of Rotary and our partners and the millions of people involved in so many ways in the fight for a polio free world," said Chris.
"Only together can we end polio, a virus that is still potentially just a plane ride away.
"We have seen how we need to work together when dealing with Covid-19 and we can all play our part.
"he members of Chard Rotary Club remain committed to working with our communities and our partners to eliminate this potentially deadly virus and make Rotary's dream of a polio free world a reality."
Rotary has directly contributed more than US$2.1 billion to ending polio since 1985, including contributions by the Chard Rotary Club.
To find out more about Chard Rotary, and how you can get involved in helping to raise funds to help end polio visit rotarygbi.org/join
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