EAST Lancashire Anglican churches are offering a sweet alternative to the spooky and 'Trick or Treat' antics of Hallowe'en.

The Bishop of Blackburn the Rt Rev. Julian Henderson is backing moves to bring back the Christian element of December 31 celebrations.

He is supporting parishes that offer a new 'Treat Pack' produced by the company that produces Christian Fair Trade Easter Eggs.

Suitable for church light parties, outreach events, schools or to give to children who call to trick or treat on October 31, each contains a bag of Fairtrade chocolate buttons and a Challenge Activity Poster.

The poster has eight challenges, including a quiz, maze, word game, a call to buy Fairtrade, a prayer suggestion, a national competition with a prize, and a challenge to treat someone less well off by donating to a children’s charity.

The packs come in boxes of 30, working out at just £1 per pack.

The Rt Rev Henderson said: “Isn’t there an alternative to the increasingly common Hallowe’en attempts to scare and frighten?

"Well there is - and The Meaningful Treat Box is a way for adults to challenge kids to learn about Jesus in an accessible way; do a bit of good by giving to a charity and enjoy some great Fairtrade chocolate at the same time.

"I encourage people to share the chocolates at ‘light parties’, which many churches hold instead of traditional Hallowe'en events, or give them away on the doorstep to trick or treaters."