WITCHES on stilts, flesh-eating zombies and spooky dancers were just some of the ghostly delights on offer as a town came to life for a Halloween-themed family fun day.

Hundreds of families flocked to Bishop Auckland market place and the Newgate Shopping Centre for Saturday's free event staged by the Bishop Auckland Town Team.

Spooky-themed magic, illusion and circus performances with Iain Jay’s Trick or Treat sessions, face painting and appearances from town mascot Bishop The Boar were just some of the highlights while spooky dancers from the Sandra Welsh School of Dance performed in the Market Place.

Children also enjoyed dressing up and joining a Pumpkin Parade.

Chairman of the town team, Clive Auld, said the event was “fabulous” and had been a great success.

He said: “We had between 200 and 300 people for the Pumpkin Parade alone.

“I think it’s time now for Bishop Auckland to turn around and the support we are getting as a town team is getting better each year.”

Mr Auld said the team are increasing their events every year and was happy the town was “moving forward”.