THE rain was torrential at the Tamar Trails Spooky Spectacular, but that did not stop more than 30 children turning out to enjoy some special Hallowe'en activities.

There were pumpkins to carve, spiders, bats and ghouls to create in the arts and crafts tent and hot chocolate to keep everyone warm.

As dusk arrived, the children set off into the woods at the head of the Tamar Trails where witches carrying buckets of sweets leapt out from behind the trees.

As they walked along paths sheltered by dense foliage they discovered a huge fire-pit where they could toast marshmallows in the embers. Then it was on to more witch-like encounters.

The event was part of a series of activities in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the Tamar Trails where work is currently underway to build a new centre which will house Tree Surfers, a café, an education and interpretation facility and family-friendly facilities, including an outdoor play area.

It is part of a joint project between West Devon Borough Council and the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with funding from the borough council, the Heritage Lottery, Devon County Council and 'Discover the Extraordinary' Rural Development Programme for England which promotes key attractions across the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.

A spokesman from Tamar Trails said: 'The afternoon was a great success and we are so pleased that so many children ventured out, despite the awful weather.

'We are planning a series of activities throughout next year, all of which we hope will encourage people to use the Tamar Trails within the AONB, which give access to vast tracts of wonderful countryside and are also an important part of our mining heritage.'