by Hayley Robinson

There's a whole host of spooky activities going on across the town to mark Halloween.

Up until 5pm The Pet Shop, in Sittingbourne High Street, is giving customers the chance to get up close and personal with spiders, millipedes and a giant African snail.

There will even be a chance to handle a chaco golden knee tarantula, owned by shop assistant Charlotte Dowsett.

Sweets will be given to those brave enough to put their hands inside boxes packed with mystery ‘goodies’, while pumpkin-shaped chocolates will be available for those able to work out the word spelled out by bats dangling from the ceiling holding letters.

A plastic container filled with candy eyes is also up for grabs. To win it, children must guess the correct number inside.

Meanwhile, at The Forum shopping centre, Frankie and his coffin, a walkabout illusion, will be creeping around until 4pm.

There's a chance to learn Michael Jackson’s iconic dance routine to his hit song Thriller.

Sammie Searle, who runs Sammie’s Fit POP Dance, is inviting people of all ages and abilities to attend either her class tonight to learn the moves.

Participants are encouraged to dress in Halloween fancy dress. Prizes will be given out to the best dressed, most original outfit and deadliest dancer.

The class will be held at The Carmel Hall, Ufton Lane, Sittingbourne, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. The cost is £5.

Children aged eight to 12 pay just £2.50 if accompanied by a parent or older sibling.

Iwade will be brought to life with Frankenstein’s Lab.

For the past five years, Simon Killick and Kevin Friend have been hosting the show on the driveway of Mr Friend’s house.

This year’s performances will be held today, at 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Iwade Herons Football Club will benefit from the proceeds.

Two doors down, Andy Jennings will be inviting people to walk through a scare tent in a fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his friend Dave Coomber, who lost his battle with lung cancer in September.

The night starts at 5pm, with a chance to have a go at bobbing apples for a £1. Sweets and helium balloons will be on sale and adults will receive a free glass of mulled wine.