BOUQUETS of flowers have been left dotted around Canvey in a bid to spread some community cheer.

Islanders may have seen the bright arrangements near the library and the children’s play area at Thorney Bay.

The group, which is attached to the National Association of Flower Arranging, has been spreading the joy as part of a national movement by the association to offer a hand of friendship and encourage people to take up flower arranging.

Resident Heather Mathews, 65, found a bunch of flowers on a bench.

She said: “I love flowers and when I saw them on the bench outside the library I just had to go over to them and saw they had a note.”

The note, attached to the bright red and yellow roses and carnations, read: “The Lonely Bouquet – please take me home to enjoy. If you love flowers, friendship awaits you at your local NAFAS flower club.”

Mrs Mathews said: “I thought it was such a lovely gesture and it really brightened up my day.

“With everything happening on Canvey at the moment, this is something really nice.

“I may have been the one lucky enough to pick them up, but I think they’re for the whole island.”

Echo: Bouquet makers – members of the Canvey Floral Art Club

Sandra Campagna, chairman of Canvey Floral Art Club, said: “Every year we have a flower arranging day and we are encouraged to make a bouquet called a lonely bouquet and leave them somewhere where someone can find them.

“We put it together hoping someone will get some pleasure from it.

“We’ve left quite a few on Canvey and Heather’s was made up of carnations, roses and gerbras.

“The idea is to bring people a little bit of happiness.

“It’s lovely to bring a little bit of pleasure.

“The response we’ve had on Canvey Then and Now Facebook page has been amazing, it’s incredible.

“So many people have commented, it’s lovely.

“As you’re a flower arranger you don’t think of the pleasure it gives to other people.

“The fact someone gets pleasure from receiving a few flowers is lovely, it goes to show it’s not all doom and gloom.”

Jeanette Hodder arranged the flowers which were found by Heather.

The club meets at the WI on the third Tuesday every month.