THE COUNTDOWN to Halloween has started with craft classes on Teesside.

A DIY chain yesterday stepped in to ensure preparations for the day for witches and ghosts were fun but also safe.

Staff at B&Q's Middlesbrough warehouse showed youngsters how to safely carve pumpkin lanterns.

General manager Simon Tunnah said: "From previous experience we've found that kids really enjoy getting into the spirit of these sessions and hope that this year's pumpkin carving demonstrations are no different."