Youngsters take part in a special Halloween event at Whitlingham country park. Little Devil, Oscar Smith with his pumpkin.

How to stay safe at Halloween while still having fun.

• Make sure a responsible adult or older teenager accompanies you. Head off early - the early bird catches the most sweets!

• Always carry a torch and wear reflective or light-coloured clothing so that you can be seen.

• If possible, only visit houses of people you know (parents can often pre-arrange such visits) and stay close to home.

• Never, ever enter a stranger’s house.

• Check sweets before you eat them - throw away those that have been opened or unwrapped and make sure you know what you’re eating.

• Make sure your parents know where you’re going, if they’re not coming with you.

• Be polite, smile, say please and thank you and avoid dark houses or those with signs asking trick or treaters to stay away - it will normally be obvious which houses want to take part in Halloween trick or treating.

• Finally, don’t play nasty tricks and don’t try to frighten anyone - if the word spreads, no one else on the street will answer the door!