HALLOWEEN is just three weeks away, and the ghost tours and events around Gwent and further afield are getting booked up fast.

So if you want to give the family a spooky treat on Halloween weekend, it's time to act now.

It will be party time in the barn at Llancaiach Fawr, in Nelson, with the fun starting at 6.30pm on October 30.

There will be fancy dress, competitions and prizes, and the recommended age group is six to 11 years.

For further details telephone 01443 412248.

Also on Saturday, October 30, there will be a day of Halloween Horror from 11am at the Elliot Colliery Winding House, in Elliotstown.

Children can "experience the world of ghosts" as they make decorations and treats.

For further details ring 02920 888681. Tredegar House in Newport is running its usual ghost tours of the house from Thursday, October 28, to Saturday, October 30. These are followed by Dracula's disco.

The event is not suitable for under-eights, and tickets are £7.50 for adults, £5.25 for children and £23 for a family ticket.

Tickets must be booked in advance on 01633 815880.

Greenmeadow Community Farm in Cwmbran is also celebrating on October 31 - with children's storytelling, a disco, barbecue, beer stall and games, and visitors can come in fancy dress if they wish.

Little ones are welcome and nothing will be too frightening. The farm will be lit up so that everyone can visit the animals, and there will be tractor rides available.

The fun starts at 6pm. Tickets are £3 for adults and children and will be available on the gate or can be booked on 01633 838999.

If you don't mind travelling a little further afield, the Brecon Mountain Railway is planning Halloween ghost train rides - and ghosts, witches, black cats, skeletons and ghouls will be seen!

The trains leave the Pant station at Merthyr at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm on October 30 and 31.

Come in fancy dress and children will get a treat from the Halloween witch, while there will be apple punch for the adults! The return trip takes an hour and advance booking is essential. Tickets are £7 for adults and £4.50 for children, while those under three go free. Telephone 01685 722988. Helen Morgan