Mystery surrounds a Halloween competition in Parton.

It has been announced that two national television stars will judge the competition - but nobody knows who they are.

The only announcement on social media describes them as “lovely”.

But while the celebrities might be lovely, the Parton Reunited social media group is hoping for more spooky and scary around the neighbourhood.

The Halloween competition will result in seasonal pictures being pasted in windows all around the area.

Residents are being warned though that to get their entries in in time to be judged by these nameless celebrities, time is running out.

Of course, for a Halloween event, the deadline is the witching hour of midnight tomorrow (Thursday).

Entrants are asked to create a Halloween work of art using any medium,

They need to take a photo of their work and post it on the Parton Reunited Facebook page.

After that they need to put the pictures in their windows so they can be enjoyed by everyone.

The winner will receive a hamper of Halloween goodies.

The neighbourhood is also holding a pumpkin trail.

Entry is £2 per child for which they will receive a goodie bag and a map.

At each location on the map there will be a spooky letter and another clue - but children are warned to watch out for the witch’s brew which will be spelling out a mystery word which must be solved.

While all this is happening in Parton, Corkickle parish is being taken over by spooky scarecrows.

Local councillor Gemma Dinsdale said this could be a way of preventing trick or treat during Covid-19.

The scarecrow competition was set up with the expectation that trick or treating might be cancelled.

All entries should be photographed and sent to Corkicklegateway@gmail.com where there will be a public vote to determine the winners.

“People will be asked to ‘like’ their favourites on the Corkickle Residents’ Group Facebook page and the winners will get vouchers which can be used at local businesses,” Ms Dinsdale said.

Cumbria’s public health boss Colin Cox said trick or treating was fine with conditions: “Follow the government guidance: Stick to the rule of six, indoors and outdoors – remembering school bubbles do not apply outside school.

"Maintain social distancing, wear a face covering in any busy place, inside or out, and wash your hands regularly. and carry sanitiser.”

He advised looking at decorations rather than knocking on doors and said taking sweets from a communal bowl was discouraged.