FAMILIES will have a spooktacular time and businesses will be given a boost in a fun event for half-term and Hallowee'n.

Weymouth BID's Freaky Streets event launches today (Saturday) to coincide with children beginning their week off school.

The event includes a free Freaky Streets Hunt around the town centre as well as other great activities from local businesses and attractions.

It all leads up to 'Spooky Saturday' next weekend.

The Freaky Hunt around Weymouth town centre sees participants following clues to find the answers from characters on walls and buildings.

All those with the correct answers are in with the chance of winning some great prizes. While they are are searching the streets, they will be asked to rate firms Hallowe'en displays.

More than 30 businesses have got into the spooky spirit this year by decorating their windows and interiors to create some haunting displays.

Nigel Reed from Weymouth BID said: “Last year the displays from businesses were fantastic and it created an excellent atmosphere in the town.

"One of Weymouth BID’s aims is to increase footfall in the BID area and I hear regularly that the hunt leads participants to discover areas of the town centre they had never been before.”

Businesses and attractions in and around Weymouth are also getting into the Hallowe'en spirit this half term. Events include Zizzy Pancakes’s Hallowe'en Parties, MFA’s 'glow bowling' and bowling packages from 8pm. Fantasy Island is organising a fright night and there's a free 'Thriller' workshop for 4-12 year olds at Weymouth Pavilion on Wednesday, October 26 – booking required.

See the full week’s programme of activities from across Weymouth via the website weareweymouth.co.uk and following the 'schools out' link to Freaky Streets. The Freak Streets Hunt form can also be downloaded from this site.

The main event of Freaky Streets is Spooky Saturday on October 29 when the streets of Weymouth will be filled with ghoulish games and activities including, new for this year, a Freaky Pet Parade which is sponsored by Dave Cumber Vets. Dress yourself and your pet in the freakiest outfits to be in with a chance of winning The competition will be judged by Dave Cumber as well as the Mayor of Weymouth & Portland. There will also be spooky storytelling, Molly the Mouse Pumpkin Party and Wessex FM Grisly Games! A fancy dress competition will take place with entrants being judged in the afternoon too.

Dave Cumber Vets will also be attending the event promoting their new surgery at Link Park, Chickerell.

People can make use of free parking from 12noon in council car parks on Spooky Saturday.