A HALLOWEEN fun park and spooky trick-or-treat trail are coming to a south Essex shopping centre this October half-term.

The free trick-or-treat character trail will be running throughout Lakeside shopping centre every day from Saturday to next Friday, between 11am and 7pm, as a safe, fun-filled twist on traditional trick-or-treating.

On the trail, children will enjoy a Halloween adventure starting at the Central Atrium, where they will be greeted by an enchanted character and will collect clues along the way, to lead them to the next door.

From treats to spells, every stop brings youngsters closer to the ultimate reward - a hands-on slime-making workshop at the end of the adventure.

The Halloween Fun Park will also be opening at The Destination on The Quay this half-term, where families can pick the perfect pumpkin.

Entry is free to the park while will be open all October half-term from 12pm until 9pm daily, with dodgems, a big wheel, spooky games, food stalls and more.

Tickets are £1.20 each or 10 for £10 for the rides.

Howard Oldstein, Centre Director at Lakeside Shopping Centre, says: “We cannot wait to welcome families to Lakeside this Halloween half-term to take part in our trick-or-treat character trail.

“We’d encourage everyone to pop down, grab a bite to eat and make the most of the great fun activities.”