IT was a fun-filled Easter afternoon with a big floppy white bunny dishing out the seasonal chocolate treats to scores of excited youngsters in the heart of Malmesbury.

But there was a serious side to the Easter Bunny’s two hour appearance at the town’s Market Cross on Saturday which saw local charity HEALS raise around £500 for two worthy causes.

HEALS is aiming to contribute £1,000 to the Swindon Women’s Refuge and to find a similar amount to set-up a Malmesbury area group for adults who are vulnerable, have special educational needs or suffer from autism.

The charity started its Easter Appeal several weeks ago by urging the public to buy 100 nonexistent eggs for £2 each from its High Street premises – the idea being that shelling out cash for a virtual egg instead of a chocolate one would help local people in need.

On Saturday the appeal continued with children having their photo taken with the Easter Bunny, and also receiving an Easter themed goodie bag of chocolate and sweets for a suggested donation of £2.

HEALS volunteer general manager Alison Cross-Jones said: “We were really pleased with the response to the Easter Bunny’s appearance. Lots of children turned up to have their pictures taken with the bunny and to enjoy their goodie bags.”

She said that Saturday’s event saw the amount the Easter Appeal had raised reach approximately £500.

It will be split between the Swindon Women’s Refuge and used to create a special group for special needs people in Malmesbury.

The Swindon Refuge is where victims of domestic violence in the Malmesbury area are sent. The cash will go towards a “container garden” where mums and children grow flowers and vegetables.

Mrs Cross-Jones said: “Some of these women have undergone absolutely horrific ordeals. Gardening can be very therapeutic in such circumstances”

The other cause will see a group organised for vulnerable people in and around Malmesbury that will enable them to meet, socialise, work as a group together and access support they are having difficulty in doing.

“These people are isolated – they are Malmesbury’s unseen. The group will enable them to engage with each other and the community. It will have all sorts of benefits from boosting confidence and acquiring social skills.”

More information is available from HEALS at: 01666-238100