Crocus bulbs handed out in the autumn are set to put a spring in their step when they flourish in a few short weeks.

They were delivered to senior citizen tenants of Linstone in the autumn to cheer everyone up.

Now they are set to turn into spring blooms as a reminder of how kindness is helping carry us through the pandemic.

The idea to deliver the bags of crocuses complete with planting kit was an inspiring idea from the Rotary Club of Paisley and Renfrewshire mental health charity Recovery Across Mental Health.

Each bag contained growing instructions, soil, a pot, the bulbs and mini watering can. Gardening is widely considered a great boost to people’s mental health.

Both RAMH and local Rotarians have done a power of good work helping the community as the health emergency has dragged on.

The idea to deliver the crocus kits came about after the rotary club purchased immunisations against disease for children in developing countries. Each crocus delivered in Renfrewshire represents one immunisation overseas. The Linstone recipients were part of a wider distribution of the bulbs.

Adele Fraser, chief executive of Linstone Housing, thanked both organisations for their willingness to make a difference to tenants’ lives during the pandemic.

She said: “We are hugely grateful to RAMH and the Rotary Club for their unique way of helping. Spring always represents an awakening and as we chart our way out of the pandemic these crocuses will help remind us that better days are ahead.

“We are deeply impressed by the work that the Rotary Club of Paisley and RAMH have done during the pandemic. Working with us and others, they have shown that helping our communities has been a number one priority during the most difficult of times. We know our tenants appreciate this act of kindness.”

One of the recipients is Shirley Dougan from Linwood who is looking forward to her new flowers.

Shirley said: “What a lovely gesture to cheer us all up. I wasted no time planting them when I got my bulbs in the autumn and now they are getting ready to bloom. Thank you to everyone for their kindness.”