Free sweets for kids at The Shires on Halloween (From Wiltshire Times)

Free sweets for kids at The Shires on Halloween

10:58am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

Shops in The Shires shopping centre are giving away free sweets to ensure children trick or treat in a safe environment this Hallowe’en.

More than 40 stores in the Trowbridge mall will have a member of staff on hand to give away sweet treats when children go trick or treating between 2pm and 4pm on October 31.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “We welcome any initiative that allows young people to safely enjoy the Hallowe’en tradition while diverting them from unexpectedly calling at doors that does cause distress for some people, particularly the elderly.”

To take part, youngsters must be aged 12 or under, wear a Halloween fancy dress costume and be accompanied by an adult.

The Shires centre manager Sarah-Louise Moore said: “It’s the first time we’ve done anything on this scale for Hallowe’en and we thought an organised event would be much safer for children and reassuring for elderly or vulnerable people who don’t like opening their door to strangers at night.”

The trick or treat trail starts at the Sweet Shop at the Castle Street entrance to The Shires where children will be given a bag and some sweets before working their way round as many of the other shops as they wish.

There will also be a magician, balloon modelling, facepainting and a fancy dress competition at 4pm with prizes for the three chosen as winners.

First prize is a £40 voucher to spend at Sports Direct, second a £25 voucher for Stationery Plus and third prize of books donated by Waterstone.