FAMILIES and businesses across the Maldon district pulled out all the stops with decorations for this year’s Halloween celebrations.

Residents definitely got into the spooky spirit as they decked the fronts of their houses with skeletons, movie monsters and a lot of Jack-o’-lanterns.

Children and adults alike were amazed by the efforts put into this year’s decorations.

The Queen Victoria pub in Spital Road, Maldon, also joined in with the spooky fun.

The team decorated the place with ghouls, holographic projectors, webs, skeletons, giant spiders and more.

Landlord James Burrell-Cook said: “Last year we had carved pumpkins for trick or treating, a pumpkin carving competition and a best dressed competition just for fun, but this year the whole pub was decked out.

“It really took off and we had lots of people turn up, so we decided to do something this year too.

“We’re a community pub, the local community really embraces everything we do, and the kids really enjoy it.

“It’s all for the customers really - we do lots of events because we need their support and we really appreciate them.”

The team also hosted a Halloween quiz night and raised £114 for the Poppy Appeal.

James added: “Quite a lot of our regulars come along, so we have a good turnout, and everyone makes a big effort to arrive in fancy dress.

Shay and Maxine Joyce invited trick-or-treaters to their home in Eastern Road, Burnham, to show off their impressive display of killer clowns and animatronic witches.

The donations they received from visitors went to the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

Last year, they raised more than £120.