TRADERS are holding a Halloween celebration event for the first time this weekend, with a variety of activities on offer.

Children can enjoy spooky ghost stories at the ‘Halloween High Jinks’ event, being held in Barnards Green, Malvern on Saturday, October 29.

There will also be a blow-up obstacle course, lantern making, pumpkin carrying, and a carousel at the event.

The celebration will take place between 2.30pm and 5.30pm, with activities all along Barnards Green Road.

A children’s fancy dress competition will be held outside Barnards Green Post Office at 4pm, with the mayor of Malvern judging the entries.

Jane Knowles, from Just So, says the category winners will receive cups presented by the judge Cllr Cynthia Palmer.

Ms Knowles said: "We are hoping with Town Council and District Council support that it will be an annual event staged by the traders for a different local charity each year.

"You can have a go at apple bobbing, treat yourself to candyfloss or get your face painted. It should be really fun."

There will be face painting inside the co-op, story-telling next to Green Frog Pottery, and a giant assault course and roundabout in front of Avenue Hair & Beauty.

Ms Knowles wants to wish Shelia Preece, who is taking part in the event and manages the Barnards Green co-op store, a happy retirement.

"All the traders and customers wish her a happy and long retirement. Sheila is a real star," she said.

Ms Preece has managed the shop for the last three years and before that worked at Somerfields in Great Malvern.