SCARES and spooky surprises were everywhere as two local care homes put on events to mark Halloween.

Nynehead Court organised its annual Halloween trail in its 13 acres of parkland for five days until Sunday (November 3).

Manager Jo Fenn said: “This is always a favourite event, not only for the children but for our residents, who love seeing the excitement and joy on the faces of the young visitors.”

Halloween-themed arts and crafts sessions were also held in the house’s orangery in the afternoons.

Meanwhile, residents of dementia care specialist Camelot House and Lodge created decorations and donned spooky fancy dress items, and enjoyed traditional games.

Head of care Sam Paddon said: “We really grabbed their attention by creating a Halloween shop where they could browse among items that jogged memories of Halloween past.

“They loved reminiscing and telling us about the traditions they used to celebrate when they were younger.

“We have also spent a lot of time in the run-up to Halloween doing pumpkin-carving with them, and creating autumnal decorations, so our lounge looked really atmospheric.

“And there were Halloween costumes and favourite games and scrummy food like chocolate cobweb cupcakes, Halloween cookies, and toffee apple cake, which all went down well.”