A £50,000 bid to make Brighton and Hove a "blooming marvellous" place to be has been launched.

In a bid to boost pride in the urban environment, a new 'green ribbon' has been created through the heart of the city.

The first phase of the project will see 40 giant planters installed between George Street, Hove, and the Clock Tower, Brighton, this week.

They will contain Italian oak trees, evergreen shrubs and season plants to give year-round colour to the city's main shopping streets.

It is hoped the displays will encourage more traders and residents along the route to put up their own displays outside their shops and homes.

Brian Fitch, lead councillor for the Green Ribbon project, said: "We want to create a leafy boulevard to link Brighton and Hove all year round.

"Ecovert has sponsored the project to the tune of £50,000 to have the tubs made and filled with plants from the council's Stanmer nurseries.

"It is the first phase of a project which we hope will eventually stretch all the way from George Street to St James's Street in Kemp Town."

The project will also boost the city's bid to take the best resort title in the Britain in Bloom competition next month.

Brighton and Hove has already won the title in the South-East in Bloom contest for the past two years.

The city's floral displays were also awarded first place in the Royal Horticultural Society's show at Tatton Park and were praised by celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock.

Coun Fitch said: "This project is not just about the council, it is also about getting residents involved in making our city by the sea a blooming marvellous place to live.

"People can donate trees to mark a special occasion or to commemorate someone special to them.

"A number of restaurants on the route have put up their own displays and take part in our own Brighton and Hove in Bloom competition every year.

"We hope the Green Ribbon will give people pride in their environment and that will eventually lead to a reduction in vandalism and graffiti."

For more information about the tree donation scheme, call the city council on 01273 292187.