Little monsters, ghosts and zombies invaded Coldean on Sunday for this year’s Wolseley Road Park Halloween night.

About 50 children took part in a fancy dress competition with costumes ranging from ghosts to a corpse bride and later moved on to activities that included a yucky dip, a professional storyteller and a pumpkin competition.

Despite the event’s power generator breaking down for 15 minutes early in the evening, the Coldean residents didn't let it affect the fun party atmosphere they created.

Head of the local action group Friends of Coldean Parks (FOCP), Hannah James, said: “I was really pleased with it, really chuffed. The kids seem to have loved it and the parents really appreciated it too.”

The night was organised by Ms James and FOCP with the help of the Coldean Residents’ Association (CRA) and the local youth project, Coldean Youth Club, following the success of their previous Halloween event.

Robin Berry, Secretary of CRA, said: “The response tonight has been phenomenal. We’re amazed at the amount of people that turned up and made the effort to dress up. It scared me, anyway.”

The Coldean community was left annoyed a few months ago following the cancellation of planned improvement works to Wolseley Road Park due to government spending cuts.

But Patrick Lowe, Conservative candidate for Hollingdean and Stanmer, described the jubilant atmosphere of the Coldean residents on Sunday night as something he would love to see elsewhere. He said: “One of the things about Coldean is just the wonderful inspiration that has got the whole community involved here.

“It’s just marvellous. Everyone has come out this evening and that’s down to the hard work of just a few positive, enthusiastic residents.”

For more information on activities in Coldean, the Friends of Coldean Parks group can be found on Facebook. Or visit the Coldean Residents’ Association website http://coldean.org.uk/