Furlong Easter excitement

Hundreds of bonnets and bunnies turned out for the annual Furlong Easter Bonnet Parade in Ringwood. The bonnets were decorated in happy Easter colours of yellows and greens and pinks, and hats were covered in coloured eggs, improbable chickens and festive flowers.

The Furlong donkey Pedr (pictured) looked delightful in his Easter bonnet and had his helpers by his side all dressed in fancy Easter costumes.

The Mayor and Mayoress Brian and Jacquie Terry judged the bonnets with the help from some of the Furlong shop managers and Count Backwards, who also performed a magic show before the judging.

The winners in all three categories received large Easter eggs, plus vouchers from Toys of Ringwood and family tickets to Liberties Raptor and Reptile Centre.

The colourful parade around the town was led by the Dolphin Marching Band.

"It was a great success with lots of bonnets and bunnies in the contest... A really happy occasion which signifies to me the beginning of spring," said Belinda Charlton, the organiser of the event.