An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service firefighter is appealing for Easter eggs that will be given to children at a number of hospitals across the county.

Halstead firefighter Simon Phillips will be delivering chocolate treats to young people in Colchester General Hospital, Chelmsford Broomfield Hospital and Princess Alexander Hospital in Harlow.

People have until Tuesday, March 8, to donate their Easter eggs before they are delivered the following day.

Simon, who has been an on-call firefighter for 10 years, started his annual Easter egg collection in 2014 and has so far collected and donated over 800 eggs.

The father-of-two said: “I’d love to pass the 1,000 Easter egg mark this year and with your help, I’m confident we can achieve this. Every child should be able to enjoy at least one Easter egg.

“Our campaign not only helps the children at the hospitals, but also helps to raise awareness of the Service within our local community.”

If you would like to donate an Easter egg, please visit your local fire station, or visit travel company Premier Travel.