Shoppers were in for a big surprise – quite literally – at East Ham Market Hall this Halloween as a 15ft skeleton puppet was installed.

Young visitors to the Myrtle Road venue were able to meet the skeleton, dubbed Bones, and show off their best fancy dress costumes.

On Thursday, more than 500 youngsters participated in the free Trick or Treat Hunt throughout the market.

They visited six shops, collecting a sweet from each.

Michelle Fitzgibbons, who organised the spooky fun, said: “The parents had come out in force with their fancy dressed trick or treaters and had an enjoyable time participating.

“We can’t wait for next year.”

She added that the shops taking part were “totally overwhelmed” by the response to the hunt and the number of children taking part.

Fun at the market hall is set to continue this weekend with a free Diwali party.

Saturday’s event, running between 12pm and 4pm, will feature stilt walkers, traditional sweets, face painters and a dhol drummer to help families celebrate the ancient Hindu festival of light.