Annabelle Dickson All Hallows Eve in King's Lynn is to be a spookily spectacular this year as the shopping centre holds a devilish day of US-style scares and a town park becomes a forest of fear.

Annabelle Dickson

All Hallows Eve in King's Lynn is to be spookily spectacular this year as the shopping centre holds a devilish day of US-style scares and a town park becomes a forest of fear.

Youngsters on half-term are being encouraged to get into the spirit of Halloween with the two free fiestas.

Cleveland-born Vancouver Quarter manager Brad Curcillo has organised a week-long build-up to the haunted evening which will see a wicked witch on roller blades flying around the shopping centre and an 8ft Dracula and his bride.

On October 31, there will be a circus of ghouls and other shows and children will be able to trick-or-treat shops in the precinct who will be handing out sweets.

Later in the day there will be Witches in the Walks - a trail set up in the town park by students from King Edward VII High School.

Familiar park landmarks will become parts of the trail. The Red Mount Manor, the Haunted Gates, Rotunda Coven of Witches, the Bridge of Souls and the Forest of Shadows will all feature on the trail.

Elizabeth Nockolds, cabinet member for sports, arts and open spaces, said: "It will be great to see families making the most of this wonderful park. Now that the restoration is complete we are keen to look at ways to make this a really vibrant community space that every-one can enjoy. The heritage buildings for which the park is famed really set the gothic scene for this Halloween-themed event and the open spaces which will host the games, drama performances and labyrinth are perfect for getting active."

Heather Guilfoyle, head of drama at King Edward VII School, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to get involved in the comm-unity. They are very keen to put their ideas into action and it's also a good way for students to work across the year levels and take ownership of a project. I am excited and keen for the spooky night to arrive."

Mr Curcillo said: "Vancouver Quarter is set to be a lively, exciting and interactive venue this half-term. We have so much happening this Halloween, it's going to be bigger, better and scarier than last year. I would like to wish all our customers Happy Haunting!"

Vancouver Quarter Halloween cel-ebrations run from October 25 to 31.

Witches in the Walks will take place between 6.15pm and 8.30pm on October 31. Anyone wishing to take part should gather at the Red Mount Chapel at 6.15pm to collect details. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fancy dress is welcomed.

Gasping ghouls can visit the Gobble Inn - the new café in the park.