DON’T be spooked!

For dozens of ghosts and ghouls are to descend on Horwich in a scene out of the Michael Jackson Thriller video to celebrate World Zombie Day.

The spine-tingling event, organised by the Mayor of Horwich, Cllr Richard Sylvester, is the first of its kind to be arranged in Bolton despite its success across the world.

Horror-fan guests can enjoy zombie-themed curries and cocktails at Bengal Cottage in Lee Lane before heading out for a Zombie Walk.

Money raised will go to one of the Mayor’s charities, Bolton Mountain Rescue.

World Zombie Day started in America in 2006 after the first Zombie Walk in Pittsburgh’s Monroeville Mall where Dawn of the Dead was filmed.

Cllr Sylvester said: “It’s not very often a Mayor would put on this kind of event, but I couldn’t resist because it looks like so much fun.

“I got the idea when I was over in the USA a few years ago. They really go over the top there and have a lot of zombie walks where people get dressed up in their scariest gear and walk together.

“The craze has moved to Manchester and London but I wanted to be the first to arrange a World Zombie Day event for Bolton while raising money for the mountain rescue.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a horror fan, but there have been a lot of zombie shows and films I have enjoyed over the last few years, like Shaun of the Dead and The Walking Dead.

“I really hope that it will put Horwich on the map a bit, as it will be the first World Zombie Day event in the town. I will also be dressed up so I urge as many people to join in with the fun as possible.”

Tickets for the event, on Saturday, October 11, cost £15. To book, call 01204 467914.