A free family fun day featuring much-loved children's TV characters is coming to Maldon and Burnham high streets this weekend.

Peppa Pig will be meeting families at Burnham Baptist Church, while Chase from Paw Patrol will be spending the day at the Black Rabbit car park in Maldon on Saturday (26 March).

The popular characters will make appearances at intervals during the day, and will be joined by a range of entertainers and activities at different areas along each high street.

A spokesperson for the event said it aims to "encourage residents to visit their local towns and spend time exploring, while taking part in the day's events".

The spokesperson added: "Visitors can contribute to the community murals with positive messages about their town, which will be on display after the event at the town's libraries.

"Free tote bags for adults and children's drawstring bags will be given away on the day to visitors to take home and reuse when shopping local."

Entertainment planned for the day includes live music, balloon modellers and craft tents, where participants will be able to make a windmill and plant seeds.

Maldon Carnival has organised an Easter trail, with trail sheets available from the day in each town's library, and families will be able to hunt for Easter bunnies along Burnham High Street.

The events are being delivered as part of Maldon District Council's Welcome Back Fund, which aims to support shoppers' return to the high street following lockdown.

The day will run from 10am to 3pm on both high streets.

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