MORE than 600 vulnerable children will enjoy tucking into chocolate Easter eggs this weekend - thanks to generous worshippers.

The eggs were donated by churchgoers and others who wanted to help families who might not be able to afford an Easter treat for their children this year. They were collected at St Mary’s Church, Fratton, but came from other churches and from no-churchgoers too.

They were handed over to representatives of two of the charities who work with such families – Donna Burney from the Roberts Centre in Landport, and Charlotte Ferguson, from Stop Domestic Abuse (formerly Southern Domestic Abuse Service), which runs refuges for the survivors of domestic abuse throughout Hampshire (pictured above).

Canon Bob White, vicar of St Mary’s Church, Fratton, said: “The sharing of an Easter Egg is a small thing to do compared to the challenges and struggles those we share with them face, but we hope it brings to them some hope and a sense of others recognising them and wanting to support them.”

Donna Burney, tenancy support manager for the Roberts Centre, said: “We’re very grateful. We directly support families who are at risk of homelessness, or are vulnerable. This is the kind of luxury they wouldn't necessarily be able to buy.”

And Charlotte Ferguson, senior support worker for SDA, said: “There are lots of children in our refuges, and these Easter eggs will be very much appreciated by everyone.”

It is the fifth year that St Mary’s has led an appeal. Easter eggs were brought to churches throughout Lent, and will be delivered to the families these charities work with before Easter.