SHOPPERS at the Brunel Centre had a fright yesterday as they were greeted by a horde of zombie brides.

However,there was no need to panic as the un-dead wondering around were part of a demonstration by students from New College.

Getting involved in the Halloween festivities, the media make-up students used their talents to create an array of scary characters.

Youngsters were also given the chance to have their faces painted for the occasion.

Among the students taking part was 19-year-old Robyn Jefferies, who is studying Level 3 theatrical special effects and make-up at the college.

She said: “We have chosen to all come as zombie brides because of the level of creativity. We have lots of second-hand wedding dresses from shops as well.

“Things like this are really great for showing people what we can do and they get a good reaction from people.

“We have gone out on jobs like this before. The police asked us to come out and help them do make-up injuries for a practice emergency.

“The course is great fun and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”

As well as demonstrating their skills with make-up, the pop-up shop they were based in was also used to show-off other craftwork created by college students.

Karen Pau, the leader for creative studies, said: “Today we have our first and second year students down to wander among the shoppers.

“We have been given this shop for the day so we have also brought down things to show off what the students are doing at the college, which they often don’t get the chance to do.

“We have also been selling jewellery that has been made by the students and ten per cent of what we make is going to the college’s Kenya Project, which helps a school we support.”

The students set up for the day in an empty unit which was given to them by the Brunel Centre free of charge.

Brunel marketing manager Jane Stewart said: “It is a great opportunity for the students to demonstrate what they are doing and go before the public to show off their talents, “We are happy to give them the chance to do this and it adds to the atmosphere of the day I’m sure the shoppers enjoy.

“I understood that one of our retailers has approached them about possibly stocking some of their items which is obviously fantastic news.”