The threat of heavy downpours and high winds failed to deter hundreds of children getting involved in Easter activities across the county over the weekend.

The threat of heavy downpours and high winds failed to deter hundreds of children getting involved in Easter activities across the county this weekend.

The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for wind and rain as storm Katie began to sweep across the country, however more than 120 children still headed to The Square in Martlesham to hunt for beans in exchange for a chocolate prize. The event, organised by Home-Start, took place yesterday morning.

Fundraising co-ordinator Ella Heeney said: “I am delighted with the turn out this year. Community events like this are a really important part of us being able to remind people what we do as a charity and how we support families across East Suffolk.”

Easter-egg hunting in Bury St Edmunds’ Nowton Park proved a “great start” to the bank holiday for Will Mitcham and his children Theo, four, and Ava, six.

“It was a brilliant day,” he said. “The two children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was a great start to a bank holiday weekend.”

The weather stayed dry for the traditional Woodbridge Easter egg hunt held in Elmhurst Park on Saturday morning, with prizes donated by the East of England Co-Op and The Cake Shop.

Laura Hack, who organised the event for Choose Woodbridge with help from Sarah Shinnie, said: “All the work is worth it when you see the youngsters enjoying the hunt. We set clues around the park to make it more of a family event that also got people moving around and it seems from feedback that people preferred this.”

A traditional English breakfast and a walk around the village kick-started festivities in Brandeston, ahead of Easter egg hunts for tiny tots and teenagers, while in Ufford an Easter egg hunt and Easter bonnet parade was hosted by the Ufford Crown pub.

“It was a fantastic day,” said pub manager Annie McElhinney. “The weather held off and we had nearly 60 children come, running around the garden.

“It’s all about the children. Everyone had a really wonderful time.”

More than 180 children took to Long Strops in Kesgrave this morning to hunt out Easter eggs, and in turn raised £371 for St Elizabeth Hospice.

The event wrapped up before heavy rain hit, and all leftover eggs were donated to children at Ipswich Hospital’s and the hospice.

Debbie McCallum, who organised the event with help from Stuart Moyes and Stuart Lawson, said: “Thanks to all who helped and all who came to the Easter egg hunt.

“With an hour less sleep and the weather not looking good, it did not stop the children from their chocolate.

“Thanks to S.P.A.R.K, Sainsbury Warren Heath and Tesco Kesgrave.”

Lamb feeding and sheepdog demonstrations were among the attractions at the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket, with craft activities and Easter games also on offer.

Patsy Cane, visitor services and marketing manager at the centre, said: “Considering the forecast we had glorious sunshine for the first two hours. There were so many families having a fantastic time.”

The yellow weather warning for wind and rain is due to remain in place for East Anglia until 12noon tomorrow.