A Sheringham fundraising group is jumping for joy, after a local business stepped in to help when a PVC banner advertising their annual Easter parade was stolen from the town's main car park.
A Sheringham fundraising group is jumping for joy, after a local business stepped in to help when a PVC banner advertising their annual Easter parade was stolen from the town's main car park.
Sheringham Playpark Revamp Group, which was set up by a group of parents wanting to improve facilities at the playground on Cromer Road, was given the £60 banner by local firm Graphic Edge.
Measuring more than 6ft long, it was designed by the group to help promote their annual Easter bonnet competition and parade, which since being revived a few years ago, has become a popular town tradition.
Proceeds from this year's event will be shared between the playpark appeal and Ladybird Pre-School Nursery, whose headquarters are next door to the playground.
The nursery's office supervisor Helen Jewers has helped organise this year's parade, which is also supported by Sheringham carnival.
She said both Ladybird and the Playpark Revamp Group were shocked to find the banner gone, but were delighted when, after reading about the theft on the North Norfolk News website, Andy Grand, who is graphics sales manager at Cromer manufacturing company Structure Flex, offered to provide a new banner, free of charge.
'When I came across the story, I felt we could help the children, nothing more, nothing less,' Mr Grand said.
Since being launched in 2012, the revamp group has raised thousands for new equipment at the playground and funding for its latest project - a £40,000 Viking-themed adventure play ship accessible to children with disabilities – is already at the £10,000-mark.
Founder member Emma White said Mr Grand's offer demonstrated the support the group had amongst the community.
'It is a wonderful gesture which is hugely appreciated, and we are now really looking forward to the parade,' she added. Sheringham Easter bonnet parade kicks off at 2pm on Saturday with cakes, face painting and games on Otterndorf Green. Bonnet judging is a 2.45pm, with prizes up for grabs including £20 and £10 vouchers donated by local toy shop Starlings. The parade will set off through the town at 3pm.
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