SPIRITED youngsters had a spooktacular time at a special Halloween-themed event for little devils.

Visitors to Queens Park Cafe were surprised to find they were joined by young witches, cats, bats and other creatures.

Their cackles of delight could be heard as they got ghoulishly messy as they partied while mixing and pouring potions, creating their own soap mud monsters and gory goo.

The fun session was laid on by Mess Around North Manchester, which brought its seasonal themed messy play event to Bolton.

Dozens of youngsters, aged six months to five-years-old, entered into the Big Kids Create and Make Area to take part in a whole host of magical experiences ­— while creating as much mess as they wanted ­— which they could enjoy with families including older siblings.

Say organisers, the event was perfect for parents who are haunted by messy play.

Zoe Fairman from Mess Around North Manchester said: "The event went really well ­— it was sold out.

"We had props such as hats which parents put on and some of the children came in fancy dress. I think sometimes the adults love it more than than the children!

"The event was sold out, we had many Halloween themed activities for the children, including black slime."

She added: "Youngsters learn a lot from messy play, it fits in with the early years foundation stage curriculum. Children take part in messy play in nursery and this event is nice because parents can experience it, get involved and find out about the benefits of messy play."

Messy play will be back at Queens Park on December 8 when activities will be themed around Christmas.