There was a ghoulish thrill in the air in Halesworth on Saturday afternoon when an army of the living dead took over the town - and performed a Michael Jackson song.

About 60 zombies moaned and shuffled through the town centre but shoppers and residents had no fear that they were about to be eaten as the horde of the fancy dress undead were only interested in one thing - supporting the community's Rifle hall.

The zombie walk was set up to help raise funds for the Rifle Hall which has been taken on by a group of community volunteers who have ambitious plans to redevelop it.

As well as marching through the town from the Town Park some of the zombies also showed they had musical talent in the Thoroughfare at 3pm as they danced to Michael Jackson's Thriller, which raised �150 in donations.

The zombie walk was then followed by Halloween crafts and games in the 18th century hall including pumpkin carving, decoration making and bobbing for apples and in the evening there was party and disco for adults.

All of the events were organised by the trustees of the hall and at least �1,000 was raised from the day as people paid �1 to take part in the zombie parade, including county councillor Tony Goldson, and about 100 people handed over a �1 enter the hall or made donations.

Nykki Maguire, 39, was one of the trustees taking part in the zombie walk and she had also spent two weeks rehearsing for the Thriller routine along with the other dancers

She said: 'It went really, really well.

'We had about 60 people taking in the walk, including a lot of children. People did stop and watch us and ask what it was all about.

'It is about raising the profile and awareness of the hall and helping to buy equipment, whether that be tables or chairs.'

The hall, which dates back to 1792 and had been run by Waveney District Council, is in need of a major overhaul and although planning permission has been secured to refurbish it and replace two extensions, help is needed to raise money for the work.

To raise funds there are plans to hold a quiz, a Christmas bazaar, a Santa walk through the town and a burlesque show.