Maldon residents are invited to celebrate Easter with the Salvation Army this weekend.

Things get underway on April 18 at 11am when the church meets for hot cross buns and a Good Friday service.

Then, the Mosaic group, an after-school family craft club, will get together from 2pm to 4pm at the church and charity on Wantz Road. 

The afternoon will include an Easter craft session, an Easter Egg Hunt and an Easter Buffet. 

The group started its Easter celebrations at a recent meeting when members made a selection of crafts and clay sculptures of donkeys to depict Jesus riding into Jerusalem to mark Palm Sunday. 

Lieutenant Anastasia Layton leads The Salvation Army in Maldon and spoke about the day before the craft activities got underway. 

Ana said: "We base sessions around a bible story and parents are encouraged to get involved, as are the children. It was brilliant to see how creative they are, and they came up with some fabulous pieces. We had clay donkeys and donkeys made from paper bags and palm leaves.

"We all look forward to our Mosaic after-school club, and seeing our families who come – we are growing every week." 

If you would like to book a place at The Easter Mosaic group, please call 07467997633. A special Easter treat will be given to each child who attends. 

People in Maldon are also invited to attend the traditional Easter Sunday service on 20 April at 10.30am. 

The Salvation Army in Maldon serves its community through practical support including a food bank for those in crisis; lunch clubs for the elderly and isolated; and warm spaces during winter.

They also run parent-and-toddler groups where parents connect as their children play and learn in a safe and warm environment.