A villager is taking a quirky approach to Halloween this year by offering handmade, knitted snails as treats to ensure no child misses out.

Suzanne Crow has made the unusual decision to offer the crafted creepy crawlies when youngsters knock on her door on October 31.

The 44-year-old says handing out the gift means all tots get to keep a toy instead of some missing out due to food allergies.

Trick-or-treaters will still get goodies in the form of sweets or chocolate, alongside a snail.

Mrs Crow, who lives in The Street in Iwade, Sittingbourne, has made the tiny mementos with the help of her sister, Angela.

They will be laid out across her front garden ahead of the annual celebration.

The Marks and Spencer employee said: “It’s about doing something different and colourful, and not focusing on the horror side of things.

"We made worms last year, so decided to go for snails this year.

“They’ll go out at about 8am on the morning of Halloween, and take a number of hours to set up.

“The children can pick whichever one they like because there’s so many.

“We’ll of course have treats separately, but making the snails is so everyone can be included.

“Some people are allergic to nuts or chocolate for example, so the kids are getting at least a toy.

“We have about 200 in total, and not all the snails are the same either - some have one eye, odd eyes and two eyes."

Mrs Crow says it has taken the pair two months to make them and get them ready ahead of fright night.

She added: “My sister is quite an artist and has always been creative, but it’s still taken a couple of months to knit them.

“I gave her the wool and she has spent her spare time making them all.

“So we’ve put them out already to see how they’ll look - I think the postman was a bit shocked when he walked past.

“We’ve even had to use blue tac to get them on the door.

“We just think it’s been a rubbish time for most people lately, so this will hopefully make some of those smile and a bit happier as a bit of fun - especially as Iwade is amazing at Halloween."