CWMBRAN shopping centre was transformed into a haunted graveyard today with ghosts wandering through it, putting a chill up the spines of onlookers.

Visitors need not have been afraid as starring as the ghosts in Cwmbran’s Water Garden were actually members of the Congress Youth Theatre.

The theatre’s wardrobe department set to work transforming the seven members of the senior section, age between 14 and 19 years old, into suitable characters.

The aim was to create a spooky graveyard complete with ghosts from the past and they did not disappoint.

Visitors were able to walk through the site, which had fake fog and gravestones, and even pose for pictures with the ghosts as they wandered around.

Youth theatre director, Rachel Hamilton, said: “The event breathed life- or not in this case- to an area of the site that is often overlooked by visitors. It was perfect for this sort of event and it created a spooky atmosphere all in the name of Hallowe’en.”

The youth theatre members improvised and held their character while a crowd of all ages gathered around.

Ms Hamilton said: “The theatre members loved it and enjoyed getting into character. But some children actually found it quite frightening.

“The event has got me quite enthused so I already have ideas of what we could offer if we were to do it again in the future.”

Centre Manager Paul Rich said that he came up with the idea when considering what to use the space for now that it is no longer a water feature.

He said: “It has been a fantastic success with over 350 people passing through so it will form part of our calendar from now on and it will get bigger and better.

"We will look also be looking into further uses for the area and other events that can be held there.”

Deputy police and crime commissioner Paul Harris also got into the Hallowe'en spirit - by dressing as a vampire for a children's event in Maindee.