HALLOWEEN may be a few weeks away, but already scores of people are planning ahead.

This week, we asked readers of the News & Star to share their recommendations on the best places to go to buy Halloween costumes in north and west Cumbria.

For garish ghouls to wicked witches, the results are in.

Here, in no particular order, are our readers’ choice.

1: STRUTS, CARLISLE

The costume shop, on Chapel Street in the city centre, was highly recommended by a number of readers.

Items on sale include make up, wigs, and accessories.

However, a variety of weird and wonderful costumes are also available to customers, such as Frankenstein, ghosts, vampires, and clowns.

For those wanting something different, they also sell Mexican-themed Day of the Dead costumes, plus Star Wars and Harry Potter-related clothing for trick-or-treating and parties.

It is open to shoppers seven days a week, between 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 12pm to 4pm on Sundays.

Readers Karl and Helen Langley said: “Struts fancy dress in Carlisle.

“100 per cent the best by far.”

Tracey Graham added: “Highly recommend Struts.”

It was also recommended by several others, including Carly Graham, Doris Ayre, Sarah Wright-Keily, Marie Beau and Sally Wright.

2: ASDA

The supermarket chain, which has stores in Carlisle, Kendal and Workington, are plenty to offer those wanting to dress up on October 31.

3: CROWN CELEBRATIONS, WORKINGTON

The Cheapest Fancy Dress shop, based within the same unit as Crown Celebrations, in Workington, is open seven days a week.

It sells a range of costumes for men, women and children.

They include vampire capes, aliens and dinosaurs.

Simone Hetherington said: “Crown Celebrations - A family run business.

“[They] always have great advice and a friendly smile.”

4: LIDL

This Halloween, the budget retailer has gone all-out to include every member of the family.

Now you can dress up your pet as a spider to go trick or treating.

It is one of a range of spooktacular outfits from the supermarket.

Lidl’s range of doggy fancy dress includes bat, spider or skeleton designs.

The lightweight costumes are available in sizes XS-L, so man’s best friend can strut their stuff on the scariest night of the year.

The store also has some bewitching bedlinen for youngsters and some glow-in-the-dark pyjamas for ages 1-6.

5: B&M

The retailer has stores across Cumbria, including three in Carlisle, two in Penrith, plus one in Wigton, Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport.

An eclectic mix of Halloween-themed clothing and decorations are on offer for bargain hunters.

Scary clowns, pumpkins, werewolves, witches and zombies are among the costumes on sale.

6: SAINSBURY’S

Another supermarket cashing in on the spooky-themed event is Sainsbury’s. Costumes are sold at selected stores.