A group of unemployed young adults are helping to put the spook into Halloween.

The youngsters, who are all taking part in Bishop Auckland’s Prince’s Trust Team programme, volunteered to be among those providing the fright for Butterwick Hospice’s Scary Walk.

Tickets are selling fast for the family event which is due to take place at Whitworth Hall, Spennymoor, this Friday (30th October).

“It is such a worthy cause we really want to do a good job,” said Prince’s Trust Team leader Peter Ahmed. “With so many children and families coming along the pressure is really on.”

The Prince’s Trust Team programme is a free 12-week personal development course for unemployed young people, helping to build their confidence and skills, through a variety of community tasks and challenges. The Bishop Auckland Team is among the Prince’s Trust Teams delivered by Stockton Riverside College.

Peter explained, when it comes to the community challenge, students usually choose to tackle a renovation project such as overhauling an allotment or garden.

“So when one of the students suggested this, it was something completely different,” he said.

Tasked with creating and sourcing costumes, making props and thinking of a narrative for the spooky trail, Peter said: “It has really brought out a totally different set of skills from the students and they are really enjoying it.”

Pitching for funding in a Dragons’ Den-style presentation, the Team secured £400 from North Star Housing to help fund the project.

Among those taking part is Prince’s Trust Team member Elizabeth Hartlett, 19, from Bishop Auckland. Planning to dress up as “Dead Alice in Wonderland”, she said: “I’ve never done anything like this before, but I’m looking forward to it. We have planned the costumes, organised our own budget, now we are all ready to get started.”

Helen Kirby, of Butterwick Hospice, who is organising the fun family event said: “It’s great to have the support of Peter’s team at the Scary Walk event. They are really getting into the Halloween party spirit and have created some fantastic props that we hope will get a good response on the night.”

Butterwick Hospice’s Scary Walk takes place at Whitworth Hall this Friday from 4-7pm with pumpkin carving, fancy dress, stalls and games, Halloween dancers, and of course the scary walk. To book call 01388 603003 or visit www.butterwick.org.uk/scarywalk

For more details about Stockton Riverside College’s Prince’s Trust Team programmes, delivered at locations across the region, go to www.stockton.ac.uk/princes-trust or call 01642 865 566.