Whether you are young or old, Easter is a time for celebrating, writes Hannah Cornford.

Three-year-old twins, Susan and Doreen French, of Pinnocks Way, Botley, Oxford, admired a giant Easter egg in 1959.

The Monster Melba Chocolate Easter Egg was presented by Woolworths to children at the Radcliffe Infirmary, in Oxford.

In 1976, Bert Davies and his wife Ceridwen Davies caused quite a stir with decorative contributions in the Easter Bonnet Parade at the Kidlington Evergreen club. Some found it strange that men as well as women took part in the parade, the Oxford Mail reported.

The organiser of the parade, Mrs Winnifred Faulkner, said: "It's been the tradition here for the men to wear the bonnets as well. I suppose it's a bit unusual."

Ten men and 20 women took part and everyone was presented with a prize at the Foresters Hall, in High Street, Kidlington.

But amid all the Easter eggs and bonnets, the people of Thame were determined not to forget the real message of Easter the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

The Oxford Mail reported: "More than 200 people from Thame's churches joined together for the now traditional procession and open-air service outside the town hall."

The event was organised by Thame Council of Churches and was supported by Anglicans, Catholics, Baptists and the United Reformed Church.