Dorset residents attempted to beat a spooky world record in Dorchester.

Hundreds of ‘ghosts’ filled Brewery Square yesterday (Saturday, October 28), with true Halloween spirit in an attempt to break a world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as ghosts.

Friends and families all joined each other in the square dancing and singing along to music as they waited for the count to get underway.

Dorset Echo: Tilly and Hilary the ghostsTilly and Hilary the ghosts (Image: Hollie Carr)

People were invited to take part by donning a white sheet and becoming a ghost, with a total of 204 counted in a cheery attempt to break the world-record.

However, the weather may have dampened spirits as the previous record of 560, set in 2017 by the Mercy School Mounthawk, in Tralee, Ireland, was not beaten.

Dorchester Mayor, Alistair Chisholm explained that they wouldn’t be defeated that easily with plans to run the event next year.

Dorset Echo: Dorchester Mayor Alistair Chisholm making a speechDorchester Mayor Alistair Chisholm making a speech (Image: Hollie Carr)

He said: “We didn’t make the record, but it’s a record for Dorchester and Dorset.”

The attempt was part of a Halloween fun day organised by Discover Dorchester and saw everyone in high spirits even if the outcome wasn't what they wanted.

Dorset Echo: Ghostly gathering in Brewery SquareGhostly gathering in Brewery Square (Image: Hollie Carr)

Plenty of ghosts got imaginative with their costumes and sported a whole array of colourful wigs, witches hats and sunglasses.

Prior to the count Tara Bailey, Centre Manager at Brewery Square said: “We set ourselves a bit of a challenge to break the world record for the most ghosts in one location.

“I am feeling positive, but the weather is not on our side.  There’s a good amount of people and if we don’t do it this year, we will do it next year.

“I think it’s really good for the community and it brings people together and it’s free – It’s good to have a challenge and give people a laugh. Most people have got a white sheet.”

Brewery Square also hosted a variety of family-friendly fun alongside the main event to keep children of all ages entertained including a disco, pumpkin carving, balloon modelling, stilt walkers and even a trick or treat.