CHURCHES in Portsmouth are aiming to collect hundreds of Easter eggs for disadvantaged children and young people this Easter.

Canon Bob White, vicar of St Mary's Church, presents some of the 350 eggs collected last year to Mel Goddard, family services manager at the Roberts Centre in Landport

The appeal, which is being spearheaded by St Mary’s Church in Fratton Road, was launched in Church of England churches across the city on Valentine’s Day.

The aim is to collect enough eggs for each of the children and young people supported by the Roberts Centre and Southern Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS).

The Roberts Centre, in Landport, works to support and improve the lives of families facing homelessness, family breakdown or difficult times. SDAS supports women and children affected by domestic violence through its refuge and outreach services in the community.

This is the second year running that St Mary’s has led the appeal. Last year it collected more than 350 eggs for the Roberts Centre thanks to the generosity of churchgoers, the public and businesses in the city.

There was such an egg-normous response that they have decided to extend it this year to support SDAS too to treat even more children and young people who might not otherwise receive an Easter egg.

The vicar of St Mary’s, Canon Bob White said: “Last year we were overwhelmed (as was the boot of my car!) with the generosity and care shown by so many people, who donated over 300 Easter eggs.

“I know the significance the gift had for those who received them. For us it was part of our keeping of Lent – to consider the needs of others and to reflect on how we share and show God’s love to others.

“We have extended the scheme this year to cover Southern Domestic Abuse Service, confident that we will be able to collect many more eggs and show that love and care to yet more individuals.”

Eggs can be donated at Church of England churches across the city, including St Mary’s Church in Fratton Road and the Church of the Resurrection in Penrhyn Ave, Drayton, as well as the Portsmouth deanery office at St Faith’s Church, in Crasswell Street, Landport.

The deadline for donations is Friday 18 March. They will then be delivered to the Roberts Centre and SDAS in time for Easter.