LITTLE Ben Wheeler was delighted when the Easter Bunny came to the Daisy Chain Nursery, in Heworth, York.

Ben, aged four-and-a-half, from Strensall, and his friends at the nursery were sent hunting for eggs around the grounds when the bunny made a surprise guest appearance.

The older children had to find cardboard eggs with their names on and the exchange them with the Bunny for chocolate ones. The smaller children did the same but had to look for a certain colour of egg.

The nursery owners, Beverly Foers and Marlene MacLellan, have put on many Easter-themed activities with the children making Easter cards, bonnets and biscuits.

- Peter Rabbit will be playing the original Easter Bunny at Castle Howard.

Beatrix Potter's furry friend will be making appearances at the stately home tomorrow and on Monday as part of an action-packed weekend of holiday fun.

Decorated egg competitions, bouncy castles and a chocolate-filled adventure trail will be on offer for the littlest visitors, as well as six New Perspectives tours for mums and dads.

For more information about events, contact Castle Howard on 01653 648444.

Updated: 10:25 Saturday, March 30, 2002