PROLONGED wintry weather has led to the transfer of an annual children’s Easter egg event in the shadow of a North-East landmark tomorrow (Thursday, March 28).

The traditional Maundy Thursday Penshaw Bowl egg rolling competition, beneath Penshaw Monument, on Wearside, has been replaced this year with an egg-decorating competition.

It will take place in a large marquee alongside the wardens’ lodge, at Herrington Country Park, opposite Penshaw Hill, off the A183 Chester-le-Street to Sunderland road.

Children aged up to 11 are invited to bring their decorated paste eggs to the marquee, from 1pm, to register for entry in one of six age group categories, from five and under upwards.

All participants will receive a small chocolate gift with further prizes for the top three in each category.

There will also be on-site egg decorating, face painting, hula-hooping, crafts and several ‘surprise’ activities.

Sunderland’s mayor, councillor Iain Kay, who will judge the contest with mayoress Barbara McLennan, said the event was transferred to the park to avoid potential disappointment of a weather-enforced cancellation of the bowl on Penshaw Hill.

There is no need to pre-register for the event, with participants just asked to take their pre-decorated egg to the marquee by 2.30pm to ensure they will be submitted for judging in the competition.

All entrants are asked to clearly mark their eggs with their name and age.

Activities will take place in the marquee from 1pm to 4pm.

For more information visit sunderlandlive.com, or call 0191-514-8432.