HUBBLE-bubble ..... Bournemouth's Lower Gardens provided the perfect setting for spooky goings-on on Saturday when youngsters enjoyed a fun-filled alternative to trick or treating.

Halloween was celebrated in style with families joining in a host of events organised by Bournemouth council and backed by the Daily Echo and Advertiser.

There was a fancy dress competition, pumpkin glow contest and a Halloween trail.

Families used a clue sheet to find tricks and treats tucked away in the gardens.

Children had their faces painted and took part in a variety of workshops, discovering the art of spell-writing during magic lessons and how to create witches' hats.

Budding witches even had the chance to make brooms to fly home on and there was a haunted fun fair all day at the Pier Approach. The most popular event proved to be an ultra-violet puppet show in the bandstand at the end of the evening. A host of goodies were up for grabs at the Echo roadshow with ghostly ghouls hiding in the bushes adding to the spooky atmosphere.

Organisers said the fun Halloween activities had provided a safe and enjoyable alternative to trick-or-treating. Bournemouth council's events officer David Williams said: "The events in the gardens were a fantastic success with thousands of people taking part in the activities.

"A large number of families came along with both children and their parents in fancy dress costume. We are already making plans for next year's event which promises to be an even bigger and better affair."