FAMILIES looking to celebrate Halloween may need to get a little creative this year to get into the spooky spirit.

Trick or treating, a popular evening activity on the night of October 31, will not be able to take place across the borough.

Multiple households are not allowed to mix indoors or in private gardens, making it impossible to adhere to the coronavirus restrictions.

Bolton Council has offered several alternative activities to embrace the holiday spirit while staying at home, or meeting other households in public spaces such as parks.

Parents could take their children on a Halloween hunt – hiding spooky treats around the home or in public spaces.

Travelling around your neighbourhood searching for ghoulish decorations, and handing out rewards for each scary sight is another recommended alternative.

For those wanting to stay inside, a scary movie with the people you live with, or fun party games like apple bobbing, pin the spider on the web, or a mummy race will all go down a treat.

Decorating a pumpkin – either by carving or painting it – will also help to make it feel like a more normal year.

Earlier this week, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman was asked about Halloween, and said: “The rules are there for all circumstances and people will have to use their commons sense in ensuring they are following them.”