DARKNESS falls across the land, the midnight hour is close at hand and all over Swindon householders are ready to terrorise their neighbourhoods with Halloween-themed houses.

Claire Cox enjoys Halloween so much she will be ready at the door of her home in Kingshill to greet young trick or treaters tonight.

She was outside on Sunday morning draping cobwebs across the plants and hanging up spectres for a spooky display that caught the eye of commuters on Monday morning.

Her five daughters, Poppy, Daisy, twins Lily and Laurel and youngest Posy, are already excited and have their costumes planned. They also joined in the preparations.

“The children help for a little bit but then they get bored after a while and I just carry on,” said Claire, who plans to don a Beetlejuice costume.

Every year she puts on a Halloween party for them and waits to hear other children knocking on the door.

“I love to see trick or treaters," she said.

"Not many people seem to these days but I love to see the children dressed up. My kids love it. I don’t hide behind the curtains, I’m there at the door. We get lots now.

"I put out more decorations and I seem to get more and more trick or treaters.”

Wiltshire Police has issued advice to youngsters that includes being accompanied by an adult, only visiting houses where they know the occupants and taking notice of 'no trick or treating' posters. More guidance is available online at www.wiltshire.police.uk