KIND churchgoers and members of our communities donated more than 600 Easter eggs during Lent to help families in need.

Local charities will hand out Easter eggs of all shapes and sizes to vulnerable families from the Portsmouth area - helping them enjoy their Easter celebrations a little more.

The chocolate Easter eggs - plus some gardening equipment and some funds - were donated as part of the 'Signs of new life and hope' campaign run by St Mary's Church in Fratton. The donations came from churches and communities all over Portsmouth. And at the start of Holy Week, they were handed over to representatives from the Roberts Centre in Portsmouth, and the charity Stop Domestic Abuse, who will then pass them on to the families they serve.

And the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Frank Jonas, and Lady Mayoress Joy Maddox were on hand for the handover outside the church.

Charlotte Ferguson, deputy service manager from Stop Domestic Abuse, said: "The women and children who are in refuges may not be able to access the funds or have the ability to get Easter eggs, so this will be really appreciated by everyone. It will mean a lot to them, as it takes away one of the stresses they may be facing."

And Donna Burney, tenancy support manager for the Roberts Centre in Landport, said: "The families who are referred to our centre are vulnerable or at risk of being homeless - some are in temporary accommodation. So this is really beneficial. Their Easter is going to be different because of these donations.

"Our workers will deliver them personally to people's homes. There may be some who received some last year, but we always have new families, so it will come as a surprise to them."

Canon Bob White, vicar of St Mary's, Fratton, said: "Every year, we run an appeal for donations for those who may be struggling over Easter. To receive more than 600 Easter eggs, plus gardening equipment and donations, to help those families on the margins is great. They might not have the luxury to go out and buy them for themselves.

"We have been living in dark and challenging times, as individuals, communities, nationally and internationally. We have continued to live through the Covid pandemic, and there are concerns about our economic life and well-being. In addition, the events in Ukraine are concerning. 

"The Easter message is of light in the darkness and new life bringing hope and joy. We hope this appeal does bring signs of new life and hope into our local communities."

And Cllr Frank Jonas said: "When Fr Bob approached me, I asked my fellow councillors and they turned up with Easter eggs for these two worthy causes. We are very pleased to contribute."