Police are to increase their patrols across Norfolk this Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Officers will be working with local people and businesses to ensure celebrations are safe and kept within the law.

Last year, police received more than 1,300 calls related to Halloween and 933 calls regarding Bonfire Night.

It is said to be one of the busiest periods for officers.

Chief Insp Dave Buckley, from the operational partnerships team, said: 'Our key message is for people to be respectful of others. We want everyone to have a happy Halloween and safe Bonfire Night and understand that these celebrations bring trick or treaters out into our community.

'We're asking people to please be mindful that some of our more vulnerable residents can find this a distressing time of year and having people knocking on their door after dark can be a scary experience.

'We would ask everyone to respect the wishes of those who choose not to celebrate this occasion.'

Police have also made posters for people to display on their homes either welcoming trick-or-treaters or asking not to be disturbed.

A poster is also available for shop owners, stating that they will not be selling eggs or flour to under-16s at the end of October.

They can be downloaded from: http://www.norfolk.police.uk/safetyadvice/halloweensafety/halloweenposters.aspx