PASSERS-BY in Banbury Market will be showered in crocus corms in a final push to eradicate polio across the globe.

The Rotary Club of Banbury is holding a free giveaway event on Saturday encouraging people to support its nationwide charity initiative, Purple4Polio.

More than 40,000 purple crocuses are being planted in Banbury this year to raise awareness and funds alongside charity events all over Banbury.

This year will mark 30 years since the Rotary Club first launched efforts to tackle the disease and only 19 cases of polio have been recorded so far in 2016.

Banbury Rotary Club president Owen Kyffin said: "Many members from across the world have seen first-hand the devastating effect polio can have to individuals and communities through visits to India for National Immunisation Days, and that makes this milestone ever the more poignant.

"This has been the goal for 30 years and we’re determined to make this a reality."

From 11am on Saturday Rotarian John Webb will also entertain the public with his street organ and St Mary's Church bell ringers will support the event with a quarter peal.

Two 'Crocus Concerts' will be held at St Mary’s when the plants bloom in early spring, with scores of youngsters from local primary schools singing for charity.

From November 7 to 10 this year a record 28 local primary schools will also take part in 'Children Singing for Children' concerts, with 20 per cent of the proceeds going straight to the campaign.

Polio is an acute virus still endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan that often has flu-like symptoms but can lead to life-threatening paralysis.

National president Eve Conway said: "The world stands on the brink of an historic milestone and we must focus our efforts on the final push to eradicate this disease.

"We are now so close to finishing the job. Let’s join together to make history and end polio now and forever."

Individuals can sponsor a crocus for 10p or donate £1 for 10.

Businesses and organisations can sponsor half of a primary school crocus pack for £30, or donate £25 to sponsor 250 corms being planted on primary school sites and in residential areas and public spaces.

Every £1 is matched by £3 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

A major sponsor is also being sought to take over from Sanctuary Housing, which has supported the planting and concerts for the past three years.

For more information on how to support Purple4Polio contact local Rotarian Fred Riches on 07887 834267.