CALDICOT Castle was inundated with smiling visitors today (Friday) who took full advantage of the sunny bank holiday weather to attend a family fun day.

Organised by Caldicot Community Working Together (CCWT), the "Egg-cellent Adventure" event drew huge crowds for family activities including an Easter-themed treasure hunt and an Easter bonnet parade.

More than 70 children took part in the parade, which was judged by Caldicot's mayor, Oliver Edwards.

He said: "Judging was very difficult because the standards were so high.

"There were some very good bonnets – you could see the creativity and hard work put into them."

Mayor Edwards praised CCWT's team of volunteers for organising such a popular event.

"They're fantastic – they put on so many events for the community and they are so well-received," he said.

The group was set up a year ago to support Caldicot's independent businesses and to encourage locals to shop in the town.

For this event, CCWT member Rachel Furmage said businesses had been equally as supportive, donating 500 Easter eggs for prizes in the children's competitions, and providing materials to help promote the event.

"It's been really hard work but it was worth it," Mrs Furmage said. "We're really happy with the turnout, and it's nice to see the community come together.

"Thank you to everybody for supporting us – we really appreciate everybody getting behind us."

There were long queues of visitors eager to get inside the castle, and families played happily in the grounds as the sound of laughter filled the air.

Activities inside the castle included face-painting, mini-golf, and archery, and there was also a visit from the Easter bunny.

Monmouthshire county councillor Tony Easson (Dewstow ward), who helped hand out prizes to the winners of the Easter bonnet parade, said he hoped the day's success was a good omen for future community events in the town.

Of Mrs Furmage and her CCWT colleagues, Cllr Easson said: "They do a good job for the community and all praise to them."