Generous churchgoers will donate the Easter eggs during Lent to help families who might not be able to afford an Easter treat for their children this year. The eggs will be given to charities who work with needy families, who can then distribute them to those families.

The appeal is being run from St Mary’s Church in Fratton, and this is the sixth year that they have run such an appeal. Last year, more than 600 children were able to tuck into donated Easter eggs as a result.

The Easter eggs can be brought to St Mary’s Church during Lent and will be handed over to representatives from the Roberts Centre in Landport, which cares for disadvantaged families, and Stop Domestic Abuse, which runs local refuges for the survivors of domestic abuse in Hampshire.

Canon Bob White, vicar of St Mary’s Church, Fratton, said: “Can you imagine not having the money to be able to afford Easter eggs for your children? It might seem like a small thing, but being able to delight your children with a chocolate egg on Easter Sunday can make that day seem very different.

“As churchgoers, we are committed to helping needy people in our local communities in a variety of ways. This appeal is part of a much bigger picture, which involves churchgoers sharing what they have with others. For some of our churchgoers who aren’t necessarily wealthy, that involves a sacrifice on their part too, so we are very grateful for everything they do.”

Churches that collect Easter eggs from among their congregation members are asked to contact St Mary’s parish office, so they can organise a time for the eggs to be delivered. Ring them on 023 9281 4444. Individuals who would like to donate can bring their eggs to the church anytime between 10am and 12noon on a weekday.