Easter Saturday brought sunny skies and smiling families as Farnham Initiative presented its 8th annual Easter Extravaganza.

Representatives of the major sponsor, Sainsbury's of Water Lane and South Street, were on hand to start the Easter celebrations in the Bush Hotel Courtyard.

David Laight, general manager at Water Lane said: "Sainsburys is disappointed that Farnham Initiative is now no longer in existence, and we welcome further opportunities to promote and help local retailers. We would be interested in helping to revitalise the Farnham Initiative in the future."

The popular Charity Duck Race, organised by the Rotary Club of Farnham Weyside, got underway at 9.30 am with the first race started by the mayor of Farnham, Victor Duckett.

The Duck Race was also the first stop in the Sainsbury's Easter Egg Quiz Trail, where ten local businesses displayed a quiz question for the families to answer.

Phyllida Adams, Farnham Initiative Manager, said: "This was the final event to be designed and arranged by Farnham Initiative, and I was thrilled to be the manager for this very special day. I will remember it always for the joy it brought to more than 1,200 children who raced into the Bush Courtyard clutching their completed quiz trail leaflets, and claiming their free chocolate egg, donated by Sainsburys of Water Lane and South Street.

"The new open-toapped Saab, on loan from Swain and Jones, looked splendid, especially when filled with the boxed eggs, and the Swain and Jones balloons were very much sought after.

"The Bush Courtyard was buzzing all day, with attractions such as the Follyoak Donkeys, Chalky the Giant Clown, games and gifts from CHASE Children's Hospice Service and Bells Piece, and free face painting from Dee Swales.

"In the Lion and Lamb Yard youngsters could enjoy balloon modelling from Peter Rowe of Farnham Juggling Club, more face painting with Ruth Ahmed, and the very special Alternative Punch and Judy shows from Professor Pringelli.

"Farnham Initiative is especially grateful to the Bush Hotel for their generous hospitality on the day, and to all the business sponsors who helped us to make this the best Easter Extravaganza ever!"

At 3 pm, mayor Duckett, drew the lucky quiz trail leaflet from the hat and the winner, five-year-old Edmund Evans of Pilgrims Way School, received a huge decorated chocolate egg, donated by Tesco of Aldershot.