Town in Milton Keynes organises its own clever Covid-safe alternative to trick or treating

Newport Pagnell is launching its own Halloween home decorating competition, with prizes donated by traders in its High Street.

Residents are invited to decorate the front of their home, flat, balcony or garden and post a photo on the town's Facebook page, where people will vote for their favourite. Then, on Halloween, families can walk around in small groups to view them at a safe distance.

The move follow yesterday's advice from Mk Council for people to cut down the risk of spreading Covid by not going out trick or treating.

The Citizen is hoping areas all over Mk will come up with their own alternative schemes, such as pumpkin trails or competitions, so children can still enjoy Halloween.

If you let us know your plans, we will publicise them for you.

The Newport Pagnell initiative was launched in partnership with town Mayor Paul Day and the 'Newport Pagnel Chit Chat Group Facebook page.

"If it works well we hope to make it an annual thing," said a spokesman.

The competition runs from October 25 to October 31, so images can be posted from the 25th.

The organisers say everyone must respect Covid-19 rules, so groups walking around to view the decorations should consist of no more than six people.

Nobody should enter anyone’s property or garden and move or take anything without permission. Displays can be any size, from a small window box to a full garden

Anyone can vote for their favourite but only one vote per person is allowed. There will be prizes for the top three homes, and these will be awarded after November 1.