WORSHIPPERS have donated hundreds of Easter eggs to help families in need across Portsmouth.

Church and community groups donated more than 500 Easter eggs, which have been handed over to the Roberts Centre in Landport. Staff there will ensure that families that are struggling financially this Easter will be given the chance to provide their children with the chocolate treats.

The Easter eggs were collected at St Mary's Church in Fratton, and then handed over to Emma Gibb and Mel Goddard from the Roberts Centre. It's a long-standing tradition at this time of year.

The vicar, Canon Bob White, said: "The Easter message is about hope, peace and light. Out of the confusion and emptiness of the events of Holy Week and Good Friday – which ended with Jesus’s body being placed in a borrowed tomb – came a reassurance and hope of God’s presence in our world and our lives.

"Over the last few weeks churches and communities across the city have been collecting donations of Easter Eggs which will be given to families who may be struggling at the moment. These donations have been of all shapes and sizes, and have been given by individuals as a sign of that life and hope that breaks out of the tomb.

"At St Mary’s Church, we gathered together these donations and last week shared over 500 eggs with the Roberts Centre in Landport. They will be shared with the many families they support from our communities, who may at times find life overwhelming, and face many challenges.

"We hope the gift of an Easter Egg shows them that there are people who care for them and wish to bring them hope and light in the darkness.

"On behalf of all who will receive them, thank you to all of those who have generously donated to the appeal. Perhaps we could all pause for a moment this week as we mark Easter, to think about what we can each do to bring some hope, light and peace into other people’s lives."