EASTER celebrations took place across the Vale this weekend as people collected eggs and donned decorated bonnets.

In the town centre on Saturday an Easter egg hunt got underway and youngsters got crafty creating their own Easter cards, masks, baskets and bonnets.

The event, organised by Emma Haynes, was a great success and raised £146 to be split between the Bell Tower Appeal and the Almonry.

At Bengeworth Pre-School the youngsters got into the spirit of the holiday with their own Easter bonnet parade.

The morning and afternoon groups got involved in the parade with Easter themed hats.

At Pershore Retail Market on Saturday, April 19, traders held their own favourite Easter bonnet vote with everyone taking part being entered into a free prize draw.

The first prize of £25 of market gift vouchers was drawn by six-year-old Samuel Bean, who picked the winner Liz Colman. The second prize for a £5 voucher , drawn by 10-year-old Amy Townend went to Dot Sands. While the third prize of a large basket of fruit donated from The Sew Lady was won by Sandy Hughes.

Jo Whittingham, of Bubble Bath Gifts, said: "Everyone has had a great couple of days with lots of fun and bantering between traders plying customers for their votes. The Bonnets looked spectacular and brought lots of smiles and laughs making the atmosphere one of lighthearted fun enjoyed by traders and customers alike."

Susan Hall, owner of Decorative Touches, also baked and decorated a rabbit shaped cake won by Patricia Rowan, which raised £100 for The Alzheimers Society.

At the Hampton Ferry Family Fun Day the Easter Bunny and Aspara-Gus joined the Mayor and Mayoress of Evesham as guests of honour.

Robert Raphael, proprietor, said: "Children enjoyed having their faces painted, searching for Easter eggs in the Hampton Ferry gardens, an Easter bonnet parade and a colouring in competition. While adults were able to stroll the charity market stalls and car boot sale.

"Eight local charities raised over £1,000 from the Easter weekend events including Evesham Volunteer Centre’s Snail Race which raised £273 and the Cancer Research Quiz which netted £168 for this worthy cause.

"Evesham Bell Tower Appeal also benefitted with over £200 from side shows and games."

The next charity event at Hampton Ferry will be a Fun Dog Show and Car Boot Sale on Sunday, May 11, in aid of Cancer Research UK.