The spooky season is on its way, so we've had a trawl through our archives to find some of the creepiest snaps from Norfolk and Waveney's past.

Many of the pictures were taken in good spirits at the time but these photos have taken on a chilling edge as the years have passed.

These puppets surely provided some wonderful entertainment at Norwich Puppet Theatre at the time, but looking back they look like the sort of characters you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley.

Eastern Daily Press: Ray and Joan DaSilva, puppeteers, with one of their many characters, Pinnochio, at Norwich Puppet Theatre, 29 October 1985. Picture: Archant LibraryRay and Joan DaSilva, puppeteers, with one of their many characters, Pinnochio, at Norwich Puppet Theatre, 29 October 1985. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

Eastern Daily Press: Behind the scenes of Norwich Puppet Theatre with Val Lowe, 23 November 1999. Picture: Archant LibraryBehind the scenes of Norwich Puppet Theatre with Val Lowe, 23 November 1999. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

This toy monkey from a Stalham toy shop in 1975 is probably quite rightfully being held at arm's length.

Eastern Daily Press: A woman keeps this toy monkey at arms length in a Stalham toy shop in 1975.A woman keeps this toy monkey at arms length in a Stalham toy shop in 1975. (Image: Archant Library)

Surely there could be nothing creepy about a toy hospital though?

Eastern Daily Press: Dismembered dolls heads at a toy hospital in 1992.Dismembered dolls heads at a toy hospital in 1992. (Image: Archant Library)

Eastern Daily Press: Betty Shaw of Southrepps of Betty's Doll Hospital in which she repairs classic dolls and teddy bears. She will be taking her mobile clinic to Stranger's Hall museum February 18th. Photo by Mark BullimoreBetty Shaw of Southrepps of Betty's Doll Hospital in which she repairs classic dolls and teddy bears. She will be taking her mobile clinic to Stranger's Hall museum February 18th. Photo by Mark Bullimore (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Eastern Daily Press: STAR FEATURES 80s icons feature Xavier Roberts and Cabbage Patch DollsSTAR FEATURES 80s icons feature Xavier Roberts and Cabbage Patch Dolls (Image: Archant)

Norfolk's carnivals have certainly provided some nightmare fuel down the years.

Eastern Daily Press: Children in fancy dress in Great Yarmouth in 1951.Children in fancy dress in Great Yarmouth in 1951. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: These walking pork chops were part of the prize winning Meatpak entry in the Beccles Carnival procession.These walking pork chops were part of the prize winning Meatpak entry in the Beccles Carnival procession. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Children have their photo taken with two Walt Disney characters at Bonds Toy Fair in 1968.Children have their photo taken with two Walt Disney characters at Bonds Toy Fair in 1968. (Image: Archant)

But surely when it comes to creepy, nothing beats a clown.

Eastern Daily Press: Swaffham historical vehicle parade ( clowns ) pic taken 10th may 1992 f5936-13a pic to be used in lets talk june 2018Swaffham historical vehicle parade ( clowns ) pic taken 10th may 1992 f5936-13a pic to be used in lets talk june 2018 (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Creepy Norfolk clowns in 1978.Creepy Norfolk clowns in 1978. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Creepy clowns at Gerry Cottle's circus in 1989.Creepy clowns at Gerry Cottle's circus in 1989. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: A clown entertaining the streets of Norwich. Picture: John FolkesA clown entertaining the streets of Norwich. Picture: John Folkes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Three circus clowns show the versatility of make-up. Date: 1987Three circus clowns show the versatility of make-up. Date: 1987 (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: A clown delights the crowds at the Earlham Park Fete in 1981,A clown delights the crowds at the Earlham Park Fete in 1981, (Image: EDP Library/Denise Bradley)