GHOSTS, ghouls and their parents set off on a terrifying trail across town in an annual Halloween parade.

Darlington's second-ever Halloween Lantern Parade was hailed a screaming success as hundreds of people came along to the town centre for an evening of scary family fun.

Parents and children gathered round for a night of seasonal entertainment following last year's success and were encouraged to grab their costumes, take out their face paint and look the peculiar part.

Scary street performers set the gruesome scene as “paraders” dressed to impress to take part in the trail around the town’s spooky yards.

Free face painting and music added to the atmosphere – even the clock face in the town's Clock Tower joined in the fun and turned green for the occasion.

The event brought a day full of scary fun in the town to a close as local shopping centres, the indoor market, the library, Hullabaloo, Head of Steam and the Dolphin Centre offered a range of scary family activities throughout October 31, many of which were free.

Councillor Paul Howell, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for Leisure and local environment, said: “The event was a huge success and built on what we did last year. Well done to our events team who worked hard to make sure it went well.

"Darlington has a lot to offer and our unique yards and wynds provided the perfect atmosphere for spooky happenings.

“Thanks also must go to the retailers, many of which stayed open late, and other local venues who ensured there was lots of family fun throughout the day.”

A full programme of events has been lined up for the festive season - starting with the big lights switch on Sunday November 24 followed by Christmas Markets from Thursday, December 5 to Sunday, December 8 and the return of the popular Ice Sculpture Trail on December 7.

More details of upcoming events can be found via Facebook from #LoveDarloat or at enjoydarlington.com