Easter Bunny Jeanette thanks Northamptonshire's egg-cellent generosity

Northamptonshire s own Mother Christmas-turned Easter Bunny has thanked county residents for their help in putting a spring in the step of looked-after children by donating more than 5,274 chocolate treats.

Jeanette Walsh, former social worker and all-round good egg, as well as collecting and distributing thousands of Christmas presents to county children, provides Easter eggs to children and their families.

To help her crack the problem, Jeanette had recruited chocolate collectors from supermarket customers, companies, individuals and Nandos customers to donate eggs and funds to bring Easter joy to the most vulnerable children across Northamptonshire.

Jeanette said: "Thank you on behalf of all of the children and families and young people right across Northamptonshire who enjoyed a little chocolate this Easter.

"It’s been a very difficult year collecting and delivering the Easter eggs this year, however I did manage to deliver to all the social work teams and children’s homes across our county.

"At the last count there were 5,274 Easter eggs very generously donated by the good folk across Northamptonshire so well done all of you, it's absolutely fantastic."

Working with her current employers Nandos, Jeanette, a part-time host at the Kettering branch, was helped to raise money with an online appeal to replace collections usually made by churches, schools and businesses.

Jeanette added: "I'd like to thank everyone for their generosity, especially Asda in Rushden, Northampton Waitrose, Stanwick Church, NHFT NHS, Rothwell Methodist Church, Barclays, Northants Police, the Salvation Army, Sophie and Maureen, MCP2, IPLS, Travis Perkins, Shoosmiths, NCC, Cheryl and family, Friend's Patient Transport and Nandos.

"It's really great when you can put a little smile on children’s faces especially when they see you have brought them a little Easter egg, they are so pleased.

"So thank you once again, you have made a difference."