THE Easter bunny sprung into action in Chippenham as hundreds of people celebrated the bank holiday weekend.

Families stocked up on free treats in the Emery Gate shopping centre and watched on as street entertainers bounced around the town centre dressed as Easter chicks and colourful ladybirds over the weekend for the event, which was organised by Chippenham Connected and Chippenham Town Council.

Easter themed stories were read out in the library, while a hotly contended Easter-bonnet competition, judged by Mayor Councillor Mary Norton and Farmer Barley, and other competitions took place in the Town Hall.

Kathryn Crosweller, of Chippenham Connected, said: “Events are so important in bringing the community together and encouraging local people to love the town they live in.

"We’re thrilled to have seen so many people come out to enjoy Spring into Easter and we’re looking forward to the other events this year too.”

Furry friends from an Easter petting zoo also joined in the fun at the weekend, giving children the opportunity to meet lambs, a donkey, chicken and a rabbit.

Councillor Sandie Webb, leader of Chippenham Town Council, said: “Spring into Easter is a lovely family event with fun activities for all ages, and it was great to see the town buzzing with people enjoying the day."

Despite the rain over the weekend, the BID calculated that the town saw an 8.5 per cent increase in visitors from last year's event, proving that the event continues to grow in popularity.