Soldiers will get a little egg-stra in their rations after a pharmacy chain donated 200 Easter treats to the hard-working Royal Bermuda Regiment soldiers who will spend the holiday on duty.

The Phoenix Stores pharmacy chain gave 200 chocolate Easter eggs to the troops to give them a small taste of home while they are separated from friends and family.

George Grundmuller, the president and chief executive of The Phoenix Stores, said: “We understand Easter will not be the same this year with the community encouraged to stay home in compliance with the shelter-in-place issued by the Government of Bermuda.

“Hence, we opted to bring Easter cheer to frontline workers as a small token of our appreciation for their commitment to the safety of our island.”

Colour Sergeant Runecko Edwards, 37, from Paget, and Private Kianna Bremar, 23, of Southampton, turned Easter bunnies to collect the eggs in Hamilton and transport them back to Warwick Camp.

Colour Sergeant Edwards, a mason with the Department of Works & Engineering, said: “The Regimental Sergeant Major came to me and asked me to make a run for them.”

He admitted: “I was surprised — we’ve had some odd jobs over the last few days, but that was new one on me. I thought we would be giving them to children or something.”

Colour Sergeant Edwards said: “Everyone in camp was laughing when I told them they were for us — they were really pleased.”

He added: “The eggs will be a touch of home and a morale booster.”

Private Bremar, an RBR medic and an airport security officer in civilian life, said: “Not everyone knows about the eggs yet, but those that do are pretty excited that they will get an Easter egg after all.

“It’s a holiday, but we’re still going to be working, so they’re very grateful they’ll have that.”

Private Bremar, who monitors the health of troops on a daily basis, added: “It’s definitely bringing a touch of home to Warwick Camp.”

She said: “I’m doing pretty good — I’ve made phone calls to my family in my down time, which makes it easier. But the job comes first. I’m protecting everyone, including my own family and that’s an enormous source of satisfaction.”

Royal Bermuda Regiment Adjutant Major Duncan Simons added: “We are all working very long days, and most will not be going home over this period. It means a lot to our soldiers when the public show their appreciation for what we do. “

The donation was organised with help from the Royal Bermuda Regiment Association, just set up to keep former soldiers in touch with each other and promote the welfare of soldiers.

Peter Aldrich, vice-president of the RBRA, said: “The association is very happy to have played a small part in this very generous and thoughtful gesture.”

• The Phoenix Stores will remain open over the holiday weekend with Good Friday and Easter Day hours: Warwick Pharmacy 9am to 5pm; Collector’s Hill Apothecary 11am to 7pm