PUPILS around the city are preparing for an Easter egg-stravaganza in the hope of winning some cracking prizes.

The youngsters from 12 city schools have been given a giant 60cm polystyrene Easter egg to decorate ready to take them to the public vote.

The primary school pupils will present their works of art to the Marlands Shopping Centre, who will put them on show from March 24 to April 20.

Shoppers will be invited to cast a critical eye and choose their favourite from all the exhibits.

The winning class will then receive a trip to Marwell Zoo as their prize – along with a £100 travel allowance.

And a £50 donation will go to a charity of the school’s choice.

Shoppers will be asked to vote for their favourite egg by converting every £1 they spend at the Marlands into one point for their favourite egg.

Every form completed will be entered into a prize draw to win an Easter hamper.

The eggs will also be displayed on the Marlands social media page, with every ‘like’ getting a one point.

Voting will close at midnight on April 15.

Tim Keeping, General Manager at The Marlands Shopping Centre, said, “We are delighted to hold this community event to raise awareness of the wonderful work of these local charities and at the same time give school children a creative and fun project that will make Easter really special for everyone visiting The Marlands.”

  • The schools taking part are:
  • St Denys Primary
  • Redbridge Primary
  • Polygon School
  • Weston Park Primary
  • St Johns School
  • Hollybrook Infant School
  • Foundry Lane Primary
  • Hollybrook Junior School
  • Springwell School
  • Mansbridge Primary
  • St Patricks Primary
  • Basset Green Primary
  • And the charities are: Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity
  • Hampshire Autistic Society
  • Alzheimer’s Society
  • Naomi House & Jacksplace
  • Bloodwise South West
  • Paim Brown Children’s Cancer Ward
  • Breast Cancer Haven Wessex
  • Rose Road Association
  • Wessex Heartbeat (Children’s Heart Unit Appeal)
  • Wessex Cancer Trust
  • Southampton General Hospital Charity
  • Honey Pot Children’s Charity