THREE hundred chocolate Easter eggs will be given away in Newton Abbot on Saturday April 19 as part of a four-hour package of free family fun.

Events get under way in the town centre at 10am and are set to feature crafts with Creative Newton Abbot, balloon modelling, face painting and friendly walkabout characters.

Live music will be provided by The Hot House Combo and Spectrum Orchestra with shoppers encouraged to dance their way through the streets.

The Easter eggs will be given away on a first come first served basis with a strict one-per-child rule.

The 10am to 2pm Easter Saturday programme has been arranged by Newton Abbot Town Council. Events Organiser Natalie Hicks said: ‘We love to offer these free family-friendly activities, not only are they good for businesses in the town with extra people coming in but great too for households looking for fun that doesn’t cost a fortune.

‘Hopefully the weather will be kind and we’ll have plenty of people enjoying a lively spring Saturday in the town centre.

‘Although we’ll have our stalls in Courtenay Street there are plenty more places to explore, be that Queen Street and Union Street, or our fantastic free museum which will be open until 1.30pm.

‘Newton Abbot Library will be holding its Story Time between 10.30am and 11am and the Lego Club between 1pm and 3pm.

‘Both of those activities are free too, although donations are welcomed, and no booking is required, just turn up and enjoy.

‘Wonderful Bakers Park and Bradley Wood with their acres of open space and the River Lemon are just a short walk away as is Courtenay Park, so why not come into town, enjoy some free fun with us and then grab something for a picnic?

‘We’ve got loads of great places to eat and drink in as well so whatever you want, Newton Abbot has it covered.’