A HOST of events kept people busy in North Yorkshire over the Easter

holiday weekend.

History was brought to life when German and British 'soldiers' visited Eden Camp, near Malton.

Re-enactment groups visited the military museum to show what life was like at the former prisoner-of-war camp more than 60 years ago.

The four groups, including FJR 9, Stop Group 3, The 1939 to 45 Group and Gebirgsjager, were at the museum throughout Saturday, Sunday and today. Dressed as German and British soldiers the group toured the museum and greeted visitors as they arrived.

Thousands of people marked the start of the country season with a visit to the Selby Game Fair at Carlton Towers.

The three-day event is now in its tenth year and marks the traditional start to the country season.

There was something for everyone from animal displays, crafts, archery and shooting.

York-based ambulance staff made a special effort for Easter when they organised an egg-decorating contest.

TENYAS Patient Transport Service Planning and Registration Staff took the opportunity to unleash their artistic talents upon the humble egg, with entries ranging from Humpty Dumpty to a Faberg-inspired creation.

Planning manager Joan Baram said: "It's meant to be a bit of fun. In past years we've always made Easter bonnets, so we decided it was time for a change."

The prize of a luxury chocolate egg went to Sarah Heppell for her bandaged egg-head design.

A York horticultural society continued more than 200 years of tradition when members held their annual flower show.

The Ancient Society of York Florists, which was set up in the 1700s, held the show at Askham Bryan College yesterday.

More than 500 people from all over the country attended to see hundreds of exhibits, including daffodils, tulips and pot plants.

A new support group set up for single parent families was out and about over Easter. Ryedale Gingerbread provides a network of advice and help for people parenting alone in the district.

But there's plenty of fun on offer, too, as children found out at a picnic and Easter egg hunt in Orchard Fields, Malton.

Group member Liz Spencer said: "We are a new and dynamic group with regular drop-ins at the Hidden Monkey in Malton on Wednesday afternoons.

"It's for mums or dads parenting alone for whatever reason, and we have a programme of family activities planned for the coming summer months as well."

Chairwoman Shani Dukes said she believed there was a real need for the new venture.

For more information contact the group on 01653 694122, or call in at the Hidden Monkey, Market Place, Malton, from 1pm to 3pm on Wednesdays.

Meanwhile, a shower of arrows marked the end of an era for a York archery club.

Ebor Archers, which has been based at the Civil Service sports ground for the past 35 years, has been forced to find a new home after an announcement that the ground is closing.

The club was founded by a group of archers, including former president Les Kent, who worked tirelessly to develop the club before his death in 1994.

To mark the occasion at the last annual tournament, named after Les Kent, a mass or archers simultaneously fired a volley of arrows.

Les's widow, Nan, said: "Les would have fought tooth and nail to keep this club open as he spent so many weekends and nights up here building the clubhouse. It is a sad day."

Club chairman Ben Turner said the club members were looking forward to moving to their new home at the British Sugar Sports Ground.

For information about joining the club phone 01904 798640 or 01904 797092.

Updated: 10:16 Monday, April 21, 2003