The company has designed and made 40 special collecting boxes for Todmorden In Bloom which volunteer Francis Boocock will now be deploying around the town.

A company spokesman said: “We know what good work Todmorden in Bloom do in the town and we are always keen to support initiatives that benefit the whole community. As a business we appreciate their efforts and it was good to have a way to help them.”

Francis now has the mammoth task of distributing and emptying the 40 boxes. He said: “It's a grand task - I will get out around the town and encourage people to get behind these volunteers who are doing such a good job for our town.”

One of Todmorden In Bloom's volunteers and supporters, Mary Clear, was given the brief of ringing up local firms and seeing how they could help.

“It's not easy cold calling a firm when we have no money to pay, but the great thing about Todmorden is the community spirit. Jill at Mardan made it easy for me and said it was a pleasure to help. That's what makes Todmorden a special town.”