SPRING was in the air in Tavistock on Saturday as local schools and community organisations revealed their marvellous creations to ‘Paint the Town Red’.

The BID initiative designed to bring spring colour, joy and a sense of optimism to traders and shoppers culminated in 37 hand-made garlands adorning shops, businesses and other locations in the town, including Tavistock’s new Guildhall Gateway Centre.

Schools and groups taking part in the project were Mary Tavy & Brentor Primary School, Tavistock Primary School, St Rumon’s C of E Primary School, St Peter’s C of E Junior School, Lamerton C of E Primary School, Gulworthy Primary School, West Devon Art Workshops, The Scrapstore, Tavistock Community Gardening, 1st Tavistock Rainbows and 1st Yelverton Brownies.

This year, the event incorporated the theme of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and was designed to set the tone for the celebrations over the weeks to come.

Children were presented with bunches of daffodils as a reward for their creative efforts.

In Bedford Square, Tavistock Community Gardeners had a stall promoting the work they do in the town and were encouraging people to join the group and get gardening. Meanwhile, Dartmoor Ranger Rob Taylor was making bird boxes with the children.

In the school category, the winner was Tavistock Community Primary School (Yr 6) – The Original Pasty House, created using recycled packaging from Rainbow Nation, this won for both best creative idea and effort. Runner-up was Gulworthy Primary School – Roots & Vines.

In the community category, the winner was Tavistock Community Gardeners – Eversfield.

BID manager Janna Sanders was delighted with the response to the initiative and said: ‘We are really pleased with the number of schools and community groups that took part this year.

‘These lovely creations have brightened up the high street and I have had some really nice feedback from people visiting the town saying how cheerful everything looks.’