CHILDREN who are continuing to attend school got an eggcellent Easter surprise.

Local branches of Home Bargains have given every youngster who is still in school a chocolate Easter egg before the bank holiday weekend.

The firm made a generous donation of 1,000 Easter eggs, which Wiltshire Council distributed this week around all the schools to give them a sweet treat.

Every day while their peers are being home schooled, vulnerable pupils and children of key workers are attending school when there is no other alternative for them to stay at home.

Cllr Pauline Church, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for children, education and skills, said: “We have been working closely with our schools who are doing an amazing job offering a place of learning for our vulnerable pupils and for those whose parents are critical to keep Wiltshire moving.

“I’m sure schools are planning many fun activities for our pupils to keep them busy. We just wanted to try and do something to mark the fact we know they’re in school but they can still celebrate Easter.

“Thanks to Home Bargains for their generous offer it has made attending school that bit more special this week.”

Ramsbury Brewery and Distillery near Marlborough have been helping schools stay healthy, after they ran low on stocks of hand sanitiser after Wiltshire Council put out a plea for help.

The firm, which has turned its gin line over to hand sanitiser production, stepped forward. Schools needing supplies can can contact Ramsbury by email on brewery@ramsbury.com.

Helen Baker, chair of governors at Frogwell School & Complex Needs

Resource Base in Chippenham, has thanked everyone helping out local schools during the coronavirus crisis.

She said: "Currently, there is an enormous amount of activity going on to support our pupils (much of which may have gone unnoticed)

so thank you everyone for the part you are playing in keeping our school running.

"We just want to let you know how much you are all appreciated during the exceptional time, and we hope that you and your

families stay well."