THREE funeral directors in Malton have launched an Easter Egg appeal for young people supported by Ryedale Special Families.

E & A R Agar, S C Bainbridge and G & M Agar are asking businesses, community groups and residents to collect chocolate treats for the annual Easter Egg Appeal.

The three branches are part of Dignity Funerals, who launched the Easter Egg Challenge in 2002 to help distribute chocolate gifts to those less fortunate at this time of year.

James Sharp, funeral manager, said: “Since the Easter Egg Appeal started in 2002, staff at our local funeral homes have collected thousands of eggs.

“This is the 8th year we have taken part in the challenge and we would like to beat last year’s total of more than 300 eggs.

“We are asking local people and businesses to support us in reaching our target.”

Ryedale Special Families is an independent charity based in Malton.

Founded in the 1990s by a small group of parents with disabled children, it has grown significantly over the past 25 years, and today, provides care and support for more than 400 families throughout Ryedale.

James added: “If you would like to help us make this Easter extra special for local people please bring an Easter Egg into our funeral home.

“Working in the heart of the community, we are delighted to have the opportunity to help local people this way.”

If you would like to donate an Easter egg, call the following branches to arrange a collection or you can drop your gift into one of the following branches: E & A R Agar, 01653 919004, S C Bainbridge, 01653 692926, or G & M Agar, 01751 431711.