A SPOOKY trail will be carved out through a town centre as part of a Halloween-inspired competition.

Barrow Bid is getting into the spirit of all things ghostly this year by launching a contest with real spirit.

The business-led initiative group is inviting people to enter their best carved pumpkins into a parade of terror.

The best-judged pumpkin in each category will win a £50 Bid voucher, to be spent in a store of their choice within the Bid area.

Bid manager Phil Collier said: "Following the success of our Easter Bunny Trail and the Summer Craft Classes, we felt that not only would this competition be in the spirit of Halloween but it would give the kids and the grown-ups something to focus on in the half-term holidays.

"The parade, through The Mall and along Portland Walk and Dalton Road should be a great spectacle - and a little bird tells me there will be a surprise in store for someone with a mass trick-or-treat being played."

Every person who takes part will be given a free entry voucher donated by PlayZone (or up to seven years of age) or LazerZone.

Competitors are being asked to bring their pre-carved pumpkin to The Forum in Barrow between 1pm and 3pm on Saturday October 28.

Judging will take place between 3pm and 4pm, followed by a Pumpkin Parade through The Mall, along Portland Walk and Dalton Road.

On arrival every pumpkin entered will be provided with a battery-operated tea-light, so the parade should be quite a sight to see.

The Bid is expecting a bumper turn out for this Halloween treat, having distributed flyers to all schools in the area to be sent home with pupils.

There will be a number of age categories: under fives, five to seven, eight to 11 and 12 to 16. There is also an open age category.