Lowestoft Lions have had to revise plans to distribute the 500 chocolate eggs from their cancelled Easter egg trail in light of the government guidelines on social distancing.

Following the latest government restrictions advising the public to stay at home, the group’s plans have now had to change.

Thousands of excited young children have descended on Sparrow’s Nest Gardens on Easter Sunday in recent years to search for the answers to clues that would have earned them the reward of a chocolate egg.

But with the event cancelled last week in line with government guidelines to combat the spread of coronavirus, Lions President John Swatton said: “We have decided that the most responsible action to comply with the latest restrictions was to donate the Easter treats to nine local organisations who assist vulnerable groups, with the remaining 210 eggs being given to the Foodbank.

“We were able to do this whilst being mindful of the need for social distancing.”

The Lions had previously made vouchers available to guarantee children a place on the trail.

But they halted the distribution after 80 per cent had already gone out.

With the chocolate eggs already bought for this year’s event, which is sponsored by Nicholsons Solicitors, the Lions had hoped to find a safe way for those families who already have vouchers to exchange them for the chocolate treats on Easter Sunday – but this has not been possible.

Mr Swatton added: “We are really saddened at having to cancel and even more upset to disappoint those who have the vouchers.

“But we look forward to Easter 2021, when we hope to be able to organise a similar event.”