MORE than 1,000 Easter eggs have been collected to be distributed to children and good causes across the region.

The collection was the idea of Dave Barton who co-ordinated the event between Henry de Gray, Thurrock and St Johns Masonic Lodges in the area.

Dave says: "I had an idea to organise an Easter Egg appeal a few months ago to help benefit local charities. Some close friends from the Lodge helped me with this appeal and the response has been staggering.

"To date we have managed to amass more than 1,000 Eggs for local charities, hospitals and foodbanks and we are still collecting more."

Dave outlined where the edggs have gone so far.

Herewith a final tally of where the donations went….

100 Easter Eggs and 100 Creme Eggs to:

Changing Pathways Womens Refuge.

This covered an Easter Egg for each and every child in the various refuge centres in Thurrock with enough left over for an Easter Egg hunt which they are now arranging.

150 Easter Eggs to:

Childrens Wards of Basildon, Southend and Chelmsford Hospital.

This will cover each and every child admitted to the hospital(s) over the Easter weekend.

100 Easter Eggs to:

Little Havens Children's Hospice 60 Easter Eggs + 100 Creme Eggs to:

Bennet Lodge care home.

This will cover each and every resident and Creme eggs to all staff members. 60 Easter Eggs + 100 Creme Eggs to:

Carolyne House care home.

This again will cover each and every resident and Creme eggs to all staff members. 40 Easter Eggs to:

Foot Steps.

Special Needs Youth charity in Stanford-le-Hope 200 Easter Eggs

To be divided between all 10 local Thurrock food banks.

20 Easter Eggs to:

Isla's Journey (Local children's charity)