THE Easter Bunny was a given a run for his money by two local volunteer groups.

Helen Rawling of Kitchen for Everyone York (KEY), which provides meals and warm clothes for vulnerable people in the city, persuaded chocolate manufacturer Kinnerton Confectionary, of Sherburn in Elmet, to donate a huge amount of chocolate eggs to hand out to schools and vulnerable children in the city.

There were also collections at supermarkets, including Tesco at Clifton Moor, the Co-ops in Haxby and Boroughbridge Road, as well as at York St John University and the management suite at Vangarde.

In total, more than 1,600 chocolate Easter eggs were collected and distributed to various points around the city, including several primary schools, homelessness charity Peasholme and young people’s accommodation centre Robinson Court - more than 900 of which were donated by Kinnerton.

Eggs were also handed out at KEY’s drop-in centre at the Spurriergate Centre on Easter Sunday.

Joining in with the distribution process was Jason Angus, who co-ordinates Together Our Resources Can Help (TORCH), a group of volunteers helping homeless and vulnerable people in York.

Jason has handed out Easter eggs for several years, but this year, with KEY’s involvement, the scheme exceeded his expectations.

Helen Rawling said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to Kinnerton Confectionary and their staff, as well as all the collection points, volunteers and members of the public who donated a huge amount of eggs, which allowed us to provide to even more schools than we thought possible.

“With well over 1,600 eggs distributed we can honestly say we are overwhelmed by the support.”

For news on KEY, which can be found at the Spurriergate Centre on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings, and runs a mobile outreach programme providing hot drinks on Saturdays, visit @KitchenforEveryoneYork on Facebook. For details about TORCH visit @TorchYork.