YOUNGSTERS had a frightful time during a spectacular Halloween celebration.

Children donned ghoulish outfits and turned into chilling characters for today's (October 31) event in The Tennis Dene, off Deneside Road, Darlington.

The fun, organised by Groundwork North East, Darlington Borough Council and The Friends of the Denes, also featured free rock climbing and archery, with Darlington mayor Councillor Paul Baldwin handing out prizes to the best fancy dress costumes.

Caroline Dunn, project assistant for Groundwork North East, said around 300 people had enjoyed the fun day, which included live music from local bands.

She said: “It went really well and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, with the rock climbing and archery proving very popular.

“We had around 50 people in fancy dress and the mayor had a difficult job choosing the winners of the contest because the standard was so high and people had gone to so much effort.”