A foodbank has issued an urgent appeal for Easter eggs.

Easter is a few weeks away, but in order to guarantee clients receive an egg with their parcel, Braintree Area Foodbank needs to receive the chocolatey treats by Friday, March 16.

Any eggs donated after this date will still be distributed by the centres, but may not make it in time for Easter itself.

Vanessa Green, PR administrator for Braintree Area Foodbank, said: "Due to the recent freezing temperatures there will have been a trade off between who eats and who stays warm with low income households, the elderly, the disabled and those suffering benefit delays all having to make these difficult choices.

"A donation of an Easter egg will just give someone visiting our centres a touch of luxury and inclusion at Easter."

To find out where to donate, visit www.braintreearea.foodbank.org.uk.