Easter Bunny brings joy to children in Whitehaven

Families scoured the Bransty estate in Whitehaven in the hope of finding a flyer which could be exchanged for a chocolate egg.

The event was organised by Emma Ralls, who has her own wealth management business on the estate, along with her friend, Ruth McDonald.

The pair wanted to do something for the community and get children outdoors after lockdown.

Emma was joined outside her business on Countess Road by employees, Vicky Barnes and Shenda Whelan, who dressed up as the Easter Bunny and a chick, along with Joan Wadey, who was also dressed as a bunny, while Ruth hid the flyers across the estate.

About 170 Easter eggs had been donated by individuals and businesses ahead of the event.

There was also a top prize of a golden egg for one lucky winner.

Emma said: "It was brilliant. It was absolutely fantastic.

"People were saying, it's a long time since anyone did this for kids on Bransty. Other people came from other areas as well. They were all delighted. We were cheering them all on.

"We just really wanted to do something for the community and the kids - to get out and have a bit of fun. It was really nice to see families out looking.

"It was really good fun. It's just that community spirit that we are trying to bring."

Ruth said: "We know a lot of the time when these things are done, they are just done for people on that estate but we wanted to do it for everyone.

"We had people messaging from Workington asking if they could come. It was a really great day and the sun was on our side.

"We have all been in lockdown for 12 months so I thought we need to get the kids out of the house.

"The cars driving past were pipping their horns. The feedback was great."

The leftover eggs were donated to Overend Children's Home at Hensingham and Emma also left some outside her house for children to take.

Ruth and Emma thanked McDonald's Painting and Decorating, Elliott and Black Blinds, Morrison's, Tesco and Co-Op Funeralcare in Whitehaven for their donations.