THE night sky above Minehead was lit up by scores of fireworks last Thursday, while onlookers rubbed shoulders with a variety of ghosts and ghouls as the town celebrated both Halloween and Guy Fawkes' Night.

While the Butlins holiday resort staged a spectacular pyrotechnic display on the seafront, community group Revive Minehead, Minehead Chamber of Trade, Minehead Visitor Centre and local businesses Cream, Poundland and Once Upon a Cupcake teamed up to add a few extra treats.

The celebrations began with Minehead's first flaming torch procession along the beach which culminated with the ceremonial burning of a guy.

Younger visitors went along in fancy dress and enjoyed free hot chocolate at Cream and cupcakes at Once Upon a Cupcake, where they could also take part in a Halloween-themed colouring competition.

Pumpkin carving and a ghost trail, which challenged children to find 15 ghosts in shop windows to be in with the chance of winning a Poundland voucher and a Christmas goody bag from the chamber of trade, added to the fun.

Faye Dyke, of Revive Minehead, said: "Together with the chamber of trade, Once Upon a Cupcake and Cream, Revive Minehead would like to thank everyone who came out in the drizzle to support our Halloween Extras event.

"We would also like to thank Poundland for their help with the goodies, ghosts and prizes and Butlins for their fabulous fireworks display, also Jill Homewood at the visitor centre for Minehead's first flaming torch march."

Photos: Steve Guscott