CHILDREN in Lea are putting on masks and dressing-up as ghosts and ghouls for a special Halloween bash.

Residents of Sheffield Drive, Nelson Crescent and Brook Place have been handed £500 from the Community Chest fund to make their own entertainment.

Parents and children on the estate put their heads together and organised the event.

Mum June Clough, of Sheffield Drive, and her neighbour Gaynor Potter, set the ball rolling after getting in touch with Sheff-Nell-Brook Residents' Association for a venue for the Halloween party.

But the pair were unaware they could get cash to pay for it!

June's niece, community development worker Marie Englishby, who also grew up in Lea, nudged them in the right direction and the group secured enough money from the Community Chest to throw a party to remember.

June said: "It's been great. Everyone is really buzzing from this and one lad Jonathan has been a huge help. We held a day in half-term where all the children came together and made posters and decorations for the party. They're really enthusiastic.

"Proceeds from this will go towards the Christmas party."

The event is open to anyone in the community although children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

There will be a fancy dress competition, stalls and June's daughter, Wenda Conrad Clough, 30, and June's nephew Daniel Higham, 16, will DJ for the spooky get-together.

June said: "There are a lot of children here and I was really surprised we could get funding. Everything was explained to me and people were really helpful.

The Halloween party is on Saturday, November 2, at New Larches Social Club, Catforth Road, at 8pm. To find out more about the Community Chest call 825449.