EGG rolling, bonnet parades and charity events kept families amused this Easter .

Grey skies failed to dampen the fun at One Tree Hill Country Park where kids enjoyed the annual Easter Sunday egg rolling event.

Children spent time decorating eggs before watching them roll down the large hill in the park.

Members of the Southend-based 77s motorbike and trike club also continued their annual tradition of collecting donated Easter eggs and toys at Asda in Shoebury on Saturday and delivering them to children at hospitals and hospices on Easter Sunday.

Club member Paul Bounty said: “Last year customers donated 800 eggs, but this year Asda ran out quite quickly, so we took toys for the children as well.

“There were 275 eggs and 300 toys delivered to Southend and Basildon hospitals, plus Little Havens Children’s Hospice. We would like to thank Asda for again letting us do this.”

Saturday saw the official re-opening of the Storehouse community centre in Coleman Street, Southend, which has been closed for more than two years.

A fun day was held to mark the occasion with card making, egg painting, games, egg and spoon race, a raffle, live music, food and an indoor bouncy castle.

The Storehouse, situated under the Penine, Malvern and Chiltern tower blocks, has been providing a homeless outreach centre for the past few months, but this was the first time it was brought back into use for the whole community.

John Williams, Storehouse community outreach worker, said: “It was a great day. Now the community centre is back up and running for everyone. We have a big event planned for July and there will be more events throughout the year.”

Residents of Nayland House sheltered home, in Manners Way, Southend, joined in the fun with their own Easter bonnet parade.

A first this year saw Leigh Town Council stage an Easter event in the gardens of the library.

Visitors were treated to an Easter egg hunt, bonnet competition, bouncy castle, face painting and Punch and Judy show.