EASTER has been getting off to an egg-cellent start in Crow country schools.

Royston town mayor Cllr Martin Beaver judged an Easter hat competition at Studlands Rise First School last Thursday, where cakes were also sold to raise money for the school’s new scooter pod.

Sallie Bracewell from the school’s PTA said: “Our mayor came and watched a wonderful parade which was full of beautiful colours and an amazing display of designs.

“So many children took part and every single hat had had so much effort put into it that the Mayor had a very difficult choice.

“One child from each year group won an art and craft set and everyone who took part was issued with a certificate.”

The children of Barkway First School got ready for the festive period by letting off balloons at their village church this week.

The four to nine year olds wrote prayers to go with the balloons at the service, led by Reverend Sarah Hillman.

Linda Laing, secretary at the school, said: “At school the children had been thinking about what they would give up for someone they loved and they wrote some lovely prayers

“One said they would give up their favourite toys to help the poor children and one said they would give up chocolate for their teacher.”

Roysia Middle School’s children accepted the challenge of decorating an egg in the most creative way possible.

Amongst the outstanding entrants was Charlotte Marshall’s ‘Jeggward,’ and Anna Cartwright’s ‘Shreg,’ but the overall prize went to Abbie Robinson for her swimming gala themed entry.

Head of art at Roysia Elaine Baigent said: “It was smashing and I was bowled over by the egg-travagance of the artists. Well done to all who entered.”

Tannery Drift First School celebrated by holding an Easter parade of their own, with reception and nursery children attending school wearing hats.

Tracey Stressing from the school said: “It was one of the best years to date with so many different hats on display.”

There will be more pictures in this week’s Crow.