More than 50 pots of flowers were mysteriously placed around Littleport to be found by surprised residents during one day last week.
In each pot was a hand-written card that carried a personal message, and the request to share the experience on social media - and mention the number written on the base of the ornamental pottery container.
After more than 100 puzzled posts and comments on the Facebook page Littleport Notice Board - accompanied by photos of the plants taken by delighted owners – the truth came out.
Twenty four hours after the first one was discovered, it became known that Joanne Coe’s The Port youth group were behind all the random acts of kindness.
It was very well orchestrated, with the pots bought at a discounted rate from Sharman’s Garden Centre, and flowers and compost donated by the Twenty Pence Garden Centre.
Over 30 youngsters planted the flowers, and together with some parents, placed them around the village, and they all managed to do it without being seen.
Lindsay Cross, who works at The Port, said: “It was so lovely watching all the kids plan where they were going to leave their pots.”
Joanne Coe said: “We have called it spreading a community smile. But it is also an exercise in raising awareness of how social media can be used for good.
“To show how much a kind act or word can make someone’s day.”
Heidi Patricia Underdown said: “What a lovely thing to do, bringing happiness to our whole village. Well done to you.”
Another resident, David Brick, said: “Amazing – positive project and learning experience, from pot number 11.”
A third resident, Jeni Gowler, said: “Seeing all the posts about the flowers has really been cheering everyone up.”
It comes after members of The Port youth club added a splash of colour to Littleport over the bank holiday weekend as part of a street art project.
The old public convenience on the High Street, now used as a storage unit, was transformed into a modern work of art, and a space to be proud of, said organisers.
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