It is officially October and 'spooky season' is officially upon us, with people across the world no doubt already planning what to wear come October 31. 

Halloween is one of the most popular 'holidays' in the world and traditionally sees children and adults turn out in fancy dress costumes. 

While plans might change as we grow older, from trick or treating to a fancy dress party, some people's love for Halloween and dressing up never fades.

There are just over three weeks until October 31 but for those who want to buy a new costume rather than making one or reusing an old one, where are the best places in Cumbria to go?

1. Struts, 12 Chapel Street, Carlisle

Struts is sure to be a popular choice for those in need of fancy dress this month, and the shop offers a wide range of Halloween-themed attire, such as costumes, accessories, and makeup. 

Open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays, and 10am to 2p on Saturdays, Struts might be the ideal choice for anyone in Carlisle. 

Its website suggests that a Wednesday Adams costume is a very popular choice following the successful Netflix series starring Jenna Ortega which was released in 2022. 

2. Cheapest Fancy Dress, 5B Buddle Road, Workington

Cheapest Fancy Dress claims to have the largest selection of high-quality, affordable fancy dress costumes around.

They have a range of costumes, from funny to serious, and retro to modern, while their website showcases classic options such as superheroes, pirates and lifeguards.

The shop is open from 9am to 5.30 pm on weekdays, and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays.

3. B&M

The retailer has stores across Cumbria, including ones in Carlisle, Penrith, Wigton, Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport.

Scary clowns, pumpkins, werewolves, witches and zombies are among the costumes on sale for bargain hunters this month.

 4. ASDA

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

Supermarket chains Sainsbury's and LIDL are also offering spooky-themed costumes this month, and they could be a cheaper and easier option.