CHILDREN across the town have had an egg-citing start to the Easter holidays.

Lydiard Park, had children hopping with joy yesterday as they hosted a special crafts day.

The number of rabbits at the beauty spot multiplied as youngsters made bunny ears and rocking rabbit decorations.

Kirsty Nichol, education officer for Lydiard House, said: “It has been a good day with lots of children coming along and getting hands on. We are really pleased with the turn out.”

Margaret Davies, 62, of West Swindon, went along with her two grandchildren Ben, seven, and Georgina, four.

She said: ”It is nice to have something like this in the Easter holidays to keep the children entertained. Lydiard Park is a lovely place to bring the children and this is a bonus attraction.”

On Friday, the children of Orchid Vale Primary School embarked on an Easter Encounter Day on the last day of term.

The school divided up the Easter story into seven parts with each classroom telling a different part.

Teacher Emma McCarthy said: “We look at a lot of religions and their different festivals. But we take the Easter story for granted so it is a great opportunity for the children to learn the Christian meaning of Easter.”

Ruskin Junior School hosted an Easter Fare to raise money for a new pet area in the school.

The school council decided that they would raise money for the area that they have decided to name Sanctuary.

Children at the school brought in more than 200 Easter eggs as a donation towards a charity tombola as well as having a decorate the egg competition, with eggs designed to look like Harry Hill and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Charlotte Evers, nine, won the opportunity to be headteacher for the day.

The Salvation Army were also out on Palm Sunday showing the real meaning of Easter and even had a donkey to get the message across.

They were out in Old Town giving out palm crosses and leaflets after their service and thanks to Pater and Angela Scales in Faringdon they attracted crowds with their donkey.