NEARLY 100 children were busy scouring the Victory Field in Bradford on Avon this morning as the Lions Club held its annual Easter bonnet competition and Easter egg hunt.

The free, fun-filled morning was kicked off with the bonnet competition, which saw 16 creative youngsters show off their specially made Easter-themed hats to members of the Lions club and the judge, town councillor John Potter.

After much deliberation, four-year-old Amelia Bosworth was crowned the winner for her impressive woolly design and was awarded with a vast Easter egg and £15 for her efforts.

The Forest and Sandridge Primary School pupil, of Pippit Place, Melksham, said: “It feels really good to win, this is the best Easter I’ve ever had.

“I think I’ll spend the money on more chocolate.”

Jessica Cleave, two, was named runner-up. Dad Simon said: “Jessica would like to thank her sponsor, Peppa Pig, for all her support and her mum, Elizabeth, for helping her make her bonnet.”

Cllr Potter said: “A huge amount of effort has gone into this year’s bonnet competition and there were lots of very jolly hats on show.

“Amelia had a fantastic bonnet and she wore it with style which is why I crowned her the winner. Well done to everyone who entered.”

Following the completion of the bonnet competition it was time for the Lions to launch the Easter egg hunt, which has grown in popularity since returning three years ago after a 10-year hiatus.

Before families arrived, Lions spent the morning scattering around 300 plastic Rawlplugs around the field.

Children had to find three plugs and return them to a table manned by Lions to claim three of the 300 crème eggs on offer.

Lion Brian Hersee said: “I’m very pleased with how it went, there was another great turnout and everyone enjoyed themselves.

“We never know how the bonnet competition will go in terms of numbers so it was great to see so many fantastic bonnets.”

The idea was brought to the town by former New Zealand resident Phillip Miller, who saw it take place in Central Park, New York, when he went travelling with his family around 20 years ago.

Ben Sargent from Southwick took his two children, three-year-old Jack and Hattie, seven, to the event.

He said: “We were really impressed with how it was organised.

“We expected to pay a fee but the fact it was free is excellent. Thank you to the Lions."