THE weather put paid to an Easter tradition but youngsters were still able to get into the spirit of the season today (Thursday March 28).

The organisers of the annual egg rolling contest on Penshaw Hill, near Sunderland, was called off due to the changeable conditions.

Instead the event was turned into an egg decorating competition rfor youngsters up to 11 years old at the nearby Herrington Country Park.

Sunderland Mayor Iain Kay, who helped judge the event, said: “We’ve been having such bad weather in the past few days and the forecast wasn’t looking too good for Thursday, so we’ve made a few changes to the event this year.

&ldquo The weather might stop us from rolling eggs down Penshaw Hill, but we’re determined it’s not going to stop us from having some Easter fun.”