A SPOOK-TACULAR event returned to Witham at the weekend as families enjoyed some haunted Halloween fun.

Witham Town Council's thrilling and family-friendly Halloween event was back along the scenic River Walk on Saturday.

A spokesman said: “This annual event brought joy, excitement, and Halloween spirit to the community, offering a fun-filled experience for local children.

Braintree and Witham Times: MEET UP: Children met Halloween characters along the tralMEET UP: Children met Halloween characters along the tral (Image: Witham Town Council)

“The Spooktacular Halloween Trail was a free event designed to entertain and engage young participants in a creative and safe environment.

Braintree and Witham Times: SPOOKY DUO: A young pair all dressed upSPOOKY DUO: A young pair all dressed up (Image: Witham Town Council)

“Local families gathered along the Witham River Walk to partake in a Halloween adventure filled with surprises and delights.”

Braintree and Witham Times: ALL SMILES: Posing for a pictureALL SMILES: Posing for a picture (Image: Witham Town Council)

On the day, children were invited to take part in a trail that led them on a quest to find hidden letters.

Braintree and Witham Times: DRESSED UP: The event encouraged lots of Halloween costumesDRESSED UP: The event encouraged lots of Halloween costumes (Image: Witham Town Council)

These letters, once collected and placed in their booklets, allowed the children to claim a prize.

Braintree and Witham Times: NEVER TOO OLD: Adults also dressed up for the eventNEVER TOO OLD: Adults also dressed up for the event (Image: Witham Town Council)

One of the highlights of the event was the presence of spooky characters along the trail, where children taking part had the opportunity to interact with these characters, receiving sweets and participating in games.

Braintree and Witham Times: IN CHARACTER: A spooky vampire during the eventIN CHARACTER: A spooky vampire during the event (Image: Witham Town Council)

Essex Police officers joined the festivities by spreading Halloween cheer and handing out sweets to the participants.

Braintree and Witham Times: HAVE A GO: Police officers join in the funHAVE A GO: Police officers join in the fun (Image: Witham Town Council)

Magical moments were also on the menu as an entertainer put on shows and created balloon art.

Braintree and Witham Times: KEEN EYE: Two youngsters enjoy a riverside gameKEEN EYE: Two youngsters enjoy a riverside game (Image: Witham Town Council)

The spokesman added: “Witham Town Council was delighted to provide this annual Spooktacular Halloween Trail as a token of appreciation to the community, fostering togetherness and ensuring that the Halloween spirit was alive and well in Witham.”

Braintree and Witham Times: FUN DAY: A young pumpkin with a gravestoneFUN DAY: A young pumpkin with a gravestone (Image: Witham Town Council)

It is one of many events being held by the council throughout the year, with successful events already held for Easter and the coronation of King Charles.

Braintree and Witham Times: STOCKED UP: All smiles with Halloween bagsSTOCKED UP: All smiles with Halloween bags (Image: Witham Town Council)

Coming up for the remainder of the year, include the annual Remembrance Sunday Service, which takes place this year on Sunday, November 12.

Following this, the festive season hits Witham, with a Christmas Fair on Sunday, December 2.

Santa will also be returning to the town’s winter grotto at the Town Hall once again, for three dates in December, on December 2, 13 and 22.

For more information, visit witham.gov.uk/events.