CHILDREN turned out in force to take part in the Fernhurst Hub’s annual Easter egg hunt on Good Friday – which has become a highlight of the village year.

Sixty-five children accompanied by parents and grandparents arrived soon after 2pm to collect their colourful pictorial maps.

The challenge was to race round the village and find the 26 chicks which were hiding in the flower beds, behind the trees and in the vicarage grounds. On completing the trail, every child was then given a boxed chocolate egg.

Many happy hunters stayed on and enjoyed Dylan’s ice creams on the lawn or devoured their eggs.

This is the 18th year of the Easter egg hunt and a record turnout reflects how popular this event has become.

Nimi Lakhani from Liphook said: “What a wonderful way to spend Good Friday as a family – the children loved every minute of it. It was our first visit to the hub and we have discovered a fantastic new place to visit. We will certainly be back for the jubilee celebrations.”

Long-term volunteer Paul Farnham acted as lollipop man, ensuring the children and parents crossed the road safely.

Amy Bailey – a hub volunteer who was accompanying her son and daughter on the trail – said: “There was a fantastic community spirit, and I am amazed how well attended it was. The children had such a fun time together.”

The hub is now planning for the next children’s activity which will celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and takes the form of a royal treasure hunt on Saturday, May 28 from 10am.