CHILDREN were treated to the less sinister side of Halloween by a friendly witch who gave out sweets at Sidmouth Florist last Friday. The fiendish but friendly witch greeted children and passers by and handed out sweets to those who dared get close enough

CHILDREN were treated to the less sinister side of Halloween by a friendly witch who gave out sweets at Sidmouth Florist last Friday.

The fiendish but friendly witch greeted children and passers by and handed out sweets to those who dared get close enough.

The woman behind the mask is none other than Francine Hayes, a member of the staff at Sidmouth Florist, who appeared in the Herald last year dressed as a ghoul.

This is the second year Francine has delighted children on Halloween in her appropriate frightening attire.

Christine Drew, who owns the florist on Church Road, said: "It is a bit of fun and it's nice just to be part of an event and to make an effort.

"Children love Halloween and most parents don't like trick or treating so it is another way of celebrating the day innocently.

"A lot of people were commenting and taking pictures and people in cars waved and beeped their horns- It was a lovely atmosphere."

Francine also dresses up at Easter and Christmas at the shop to spread a bit of seasonal cheer.

Christine added: "She makes a lot of effort and she made her own costume apart from the mask and hat.

"She really likes getting into the swing of it and she loves making people smile.