Excited children wrapped up warm and brought their chocolate haul down to Avenham and Miller Parks to take part in the traditional Bank Holiday celebration.

Between spells of glorious sunshine and sharp snow showers, visitors were treated to a Punch and Judy show, an Easter egg hunt, sweets and refreshment stalls, a Church Hope 08 campaign balloon release, inflatables and charity stalls.

The Silver Bell Band entertained the crowds at the annual extravaganza.

Sue Hall, 39, of Longridge Road, Ribbleton, has been going to the event since she was a child.

She said: "It is a bit of a family tradition and I have been coming since I was little.

"The kids enjoy it and they will grow up and do it with their kids when they are older."

Hannah Watson, 18, of Marina Drive, Fulwood, said: "Everybody is getting into the spirit of it.

"We set off balloons for Hope 08 and we are going to have hot dogs and ice creams ."

Katie Newton, 17, of The Square, Whittingham, said: "We wanted to find the eggs but all the little children were after them."

Vanessa Farrar, 18, of Garstang said: "It is very exciting and it is the first time I have done it.We got to be big kids."

A similar event took place at Hoghton Tower and children at Mapelwood House in Bamber Bridge were treated to free Easter eggs by members of the North West Harley Bike Club.

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