A Keighley woman said she was overwhelmed by the reaction to her appeal for people to donate Easter eggs to needy children.

Exley Head resident Marcia Dewhirst asked via Facebook three weeks ago for people to contribute. She wanted to support the work of a foodbank run by Living Lights Christian Outreach, based at Church of the Nazarene in Oakworth Road.

She only expected to receive a few eggs, but has instead collected at least 300, presenting them to Living Lights on Tuesday.

“It’s been unbelievable,” she added. “I think Living Lights does an amazing job, and I just wanted to help. I didn’t have the best upbringing myself, and I believe in the work they do to make a difference for children.”

She thanked everyone who supported the collection, including Olivia Rock and Andrea Clymo, staff at Kone Escalators, CM Luxford Electrical Services and Hallmark Cards.

Living Lights director Patrick McDonnell said that as well as the foodbank, the outreach group also runs a drop-in centre where people in need can socialise.

He said the huge number of donated Easter eggs had come as a pleasant surprise.

He thanked pastor John Yaxley, of Church of the Nazarene, for allowing the Christian outreach team to rent the premises.