A spooky theatre show has been bailed out by Preston City Council.

Wooden Spoons Theatre who run family ghost tours over Halloween have been forced to apply for emergency funding from the council.

A grant of £610 will cover the running costs of the tours around Avenham and Miller Park.

In 2012 there were 120 people who saw the three Halloween tours and this year is expected to attract a similar number.

A total of 16 nights are being run this Autumn by the theatre company in what’s described as a “dark journey of violence, bloodshed, murder and suicide.”

A statement from the council said: “The event will be open and accessible to all residents and visitors with the desired outcome of encouraging participation in events, generating pride, a feel good factor in the city and creating an economic benefit for city centre businesses.

“Rejecting this opportunity would result in a low quality event, damage reputation of the council and relationships with the cultural sector.”

Tickets are £3.50 per person or a family ticket is £12. More information on the Wooden Spoons Theatre Company.

You can view the full council report on the council website.