STAFF at a Stoke-on-Trent store have been getting into the spirit of Halloween to promote a new department.

Matalan in Longton has launched M-Party, a section of the Heathcote Road store designed to be a one-stop shop for special occasions – from hen parties to birthdays to weddings to fancy dress.

Employees dressed up as ghouls, ghosts and vampires and descended on revellers in Hanley in a bid to raise the profile of the new service.

M-Party manager Sarah Clarke said: "We're preparing for Halloween with some fantastic ideas for a Halloween party for both kids and adults. Throughout October we're dressing up in some of our costumes to entertain our customers and show them what they can look like."

Sarah, right, and fellow Matalan worker Pauline Williams, above, are pictured showing off two of their Halloween costumes.

Pictures: Mark Scott