GHOULISH creations and spooky goings-on took over the village of North Bradley on Saturday evening as hundreds of children took part in the annual Halloween pumpkin trail.

For the trail, which is now in its second year, about 30 pumpkins were decorated around the village and around 200 children took part.

Organised by the Peace Memorial Trust, the idea for the trail came from committee member Jude Carter.

“Everyone said they wanted to do something for Halloween and this is what came out of our conversations,” she said.

“The event is growing in size and popularity and it couldn’t be done without the donations from people. "We have been very lucky because if it wasn’t for the people who offered to decorate a pumpkin and host their gardens then it wouldn’t be possible.”

Among this year’s pumpkin display was a whole host of designs with some villagers being inspired to create character-themed models from films such as Despicable Me, Spiderman and Superman.

Mrs Carter added: “One of the good things about the trail is that with each pumpkin there is a feely box which could be full of something simple like water or something slimy like jelly with letters inside. The children had to collect a letter at each pumpkin and when they collected them all they had to create a word to be in with the chance of winning a prize.

“It was an idea that came out of us talking about trick or treating and how it can sometimes disturb people. You do not necessary know whose door you are knocking on so with the trail, children were still able to go around and collect sweets but it was done safely and in a fun way.”

Pauline Baxter, who has been on the committee for 15 years, added plans are now underway for next year’s trail which they hope will be bigger and better by incorporating a disco for villagers.

She added: “The whole trail went really well and we saw nearly twice the number of people compared to last year.

“As far as I know there wasn’t any bother to residents.”