A free children’s competition for Hallowe’en, in Yarmouth, is part of a local traders’ initiative to bring more visitors into the town while the Yar Bridge remains closed.

The window-spotting competition features a series of scary stickers, which will be put in the shops’ frontages around town.

Children can collect forms from Spence Willard and the Harbour Office, and fill in 20 different shops which have a sticker in the window. They then take their completed sheets back to the two offices to receive a Hallowe’en treat. The competition runs from Wednesday and finishes on Saturday.

Wheatsheaf public house manager, Adrian Evans, explained: “It’s the latest in a series of ideas we have come up with to keep the town open while the bridge is closed.

“We also have some ideas for our Fireworks Night on November 5. Southern Vectis, thanks to the town council, will be putting on two extra free direct return services from Moa Place, Freshwater, into the town on a first come, first served basis. The extra bus trips will be before 5pm and 5.30pm with the return journeys at 8pm and 8.30pm.

“Wightlink are also giving a 20 percent discount on foot, car and motorcycle ferry fares from Lymington for the fireworks, valid between November 4 and November 6.

“And we still have our discount Fridays in the town, with various members of the Yarmouth Business Association giving special £5 deals on selected items.”