CHILDREN across Basingstoke enjoyed a host of Easter-themed activities last week.

Kiddi Caru nursery, in Broadmere Road, Beggarwood, organised a range of activities leading up to last Thursday, when children paraded around in homemade hats and bonnets.

After the fashion display, youngsters then took part in an Easter egg hunt around the grounds of the nursery.

Deputy manager at Kiddi Caru nursery, Sarah Bennett, told The Gazette: “It was a great event which the children in both the pre-school and the two to three age group enjoyed. They also had fun making rabbit ears and Easter chocolate nests which they got to take home and enjoy.”

Pupils from South View Junior School, in Shooters Way, South View, also got in the Easter spirit last Wednesday.

Parents and children took part in a range of activities including making chocolate Easter nests, daffodil mosaic coasters and decorated eggs and Easter cards.

Around 80 pupils were involved in the event and Tesco, at Chineham Shopping Centre, supplied polystyrene eggs, ribbons, sequins and other craft materials for children to use for the activities.

Kay Young, assistant headteacher at South View Junior School, said: “The pupils had a really fantastic time. They loved it and it was super to have the parents in school again. It was great to have the support from our local Tesco Store.”

Families also flocked to the Top of The Town over the weekend for a host of fun activities which included a larger market on Saturday and a vintage market on Easter Monday.

On Easter Sunday, a Chocolate Factory family event - organised by Proteus Theatre Company, independent event management team Big Adventures and Starfish Design and Marketing - was held.

Hundreds of families joined in with activities which saw children make their own egg-shaped biscuits, design their own sweets and take part on a special Easter egg trail.

Children also got the chance to meet baby rabbits, chicks and ducklings at the Story of the Egg farm and watched the Great Easter Balloon Show by ScratchBuilt Productions.

The borough council’s town centre project manager, Chas Bradfield, said: “It was fantastic to see so many visitors getting involved in the fun activities during the Easter weekend.”

Donning Easter bonnets, volunteers from The Pink Place manned a stall at Basingstoke hospital where scores of cakes were sold, raising £531.50.

Organiser Kathy Williams said: “Our wonderful volunteer bakers did us proud.”