Children got a head start for Easter when they staged three Easter Bonnet parades in east London before their school broke up on the Isle of Dogs.

East London Advertiser: Getting a head start for Easter [pictures Janet Banzaca]Getting a head start for Easter [pictures Janet Banzaca] (Image: Arnhem Wharf Primary)

School uniforms were put aside at Millwall’s Arnhem Wharf Primary for the parades which have proved such a popular Spring tradition every year that parents had to queue along the street outside the gates to get in.

Three colourful parades were staged at different times during the day because so many pupils came arrived with their home-made bonnets in all shapes, colours and sizes.

Headteacher Sara Haynes was amazed by the designs the children and their families came up with.

East London Advertiser: Getting a head start for Easter [pictures Janet Banzaca]Getting a head start for Easter [pictures Janet Banzaca] (Image: Arnhem Wharf Primary)

“They’d obviously had a lot of fun making the bonnets at home,” she said. “It’s always a really popular event in the community, but this year we broke all records when more parents than ever attended.”

Each parade was performed by a mix of younger and older children. Year 6 pupils paired up with children in Reception classes to make friends and help each other show off the hats.