A FUN-LOVING family are hoping to lift spirits across Winsford on a Halloween like no other.

While youngsters would normally be preparing to dress up and go out trick or treating today, October 31, the pandemic means families are being urged not to this year.

But mum-of-seven Kara Walker is eager to make sure children across town will still have something to smile about this Halloween.

Along with mascots including Peppa Pig, Marshall from Paw Patrol and a Minion, Kara will be touring the streets of Winsford – while hoping to collect donations for St Luke's Hospice.

Kara told the Guardian: "Obviously, the kids have missed out on so much this year.

"Lockdown was tough and restrictions are still in place, so they can't really go out over Halloween.

"We just want to put a smile on their faces – and if it raises a bit of money for St Luke's then that's a bonus."

It's a family affair for Kara and husband James, who run Lotsafun Castles.

The younger of their seven children – Jayden and Jamie, 10, Izzy, six, Leo, five, Reggie, four, Rosie-May, three, and Poppy-Rose, one – will be dressing up for the occasion, along with nephew Sam Boughen, 16.

Northwich Guardian:

Marshall from Paw Patrol will be making an appearance

Their older children have also donated pocket money towards bags of sweets, which have been sanitised and prepared in a Covid-safe environment, and will be available to drop off for any youngsters passing by.

Children hoping to have a picture with their favourite character can also do so, but from a two-metre distance for coronavirus safety, while there will be a collection bucket for change to St Luke's.

"We are really looking forward to it," added Kara.

"I think we are going to be tired from the walking around but it will definitely be worth it."

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The family will be setting off from New Road at around 1pm and will trek through estates across town before finishing at Swanlow Fields.

They will also stop off at The Barber Shop, in Fountain Court, half-way through – and expect the route to take around five hours in total.