Lyme Regis: Hats off to residents for Easter bonnet parade efforts (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Lyme Regis: Hats off to residents for Easter bonnet parade efforts

10:00am Thursday 12th April 2012 in Lyme Regis By Rene Gerryts

CROWDS lined the streets of Lyme Regis to watch the colourful annual Easter bonnet parade which was bigger and better than ever.

Contestants outdid themselves this year as judges faced a hard time deciding the best bonnets displayed by their proud creators in the Baptist Church.

After judging the entries, the parade set off down Broad Street led by town crier Alan Vian to theatre square.

Lyme Regis Mayor Sally Holman said: “It was wonderful.

“There were so many young people taking part, it was incredible, the numbers were much increased on previous years.

“A lot of visitors joined in as well.”

Entrants are judged by a mixture of sponsors and residents.

Lyme twinning stalwart Judith Pothecary put together wonderful Easter baskets carried in procession, said Coun Holman.

She added: “The town was packed, the streets were lined with people cheering and clapping.

“It was lovely, the sun came out just right.

“We all collected on Theatre Square and all the parents were there and I presented the prizes.”

Richard and Belinda Iyavoo from Tree Tops care home presented the cup for the best overall winner and new this year was the Jubilee Cup for the best red, white and blue entry presented by Judith Pothecary.