A HOUSEHOLD decked out in Halloween decorations is raising money for Cancer Research UK.

Samantha Johnson, of Barrington Way, Rockwell Green, has been transforming her home into a haunted house for the past few years, with the number of decorations used each Halloween only rising higher and higher.

Having grown up in Canada, the contrast of how Halloween was treated in the UK was a shock to the system. While Halloween is a major event that saw extravagant celebrations in North America, the holiday receives a much more muted reception in England, she said.

Hoping to bring her local community together and have a bit of extra fun during the Halloween season, Ms Johnson set out to put a display together, which has continued to grow year on year with new features.

Nowadays the decorations surround the entire home, encompassing both the front porch and the back garden.

It is in the back garden where donations can be made for Cancer Research UK, the same area where the trick or treating is carried out.

Attempts were made to try and convince the neighbours to join in on the decorations, and while there is a widespread enjoyment and appreciation there hasn’t been much of a desire to match its scale.

The decorations have now become a rather popular site during the Halloween season, with a number of people travelling over from as far as Taunton to get a closer look. And of course, it is an ideal spot for childrne wanting to take photographs on the “spookiest night of the year”.

Due to the popularity, Ms Johnson’s family now prepare more than 100 trick or treat bags. This year, they also plan on giving adults some chocolate bars, as there has been just as much enthusiasm about the decorations between children and grown ups.

The decision to support Cancer Research UK was because Ms Johnson had sadly lost her sister to bowel cancer, making it a cause that has a close personal connection to her — especially as she knows many other people will have their own connections to the disease.

There is no specific target that Ms Johnson would like to achieve, but there are hopes that the fundraising is a success and can continue going strong in the coming years, even if any expansion to the decorations is limited due physically lacking more space.

Speaking on her decision to raise money through her decorations, Samantha said: “I’ve always loved Halloween, it’s a chance for everyone, young and old, to share a bit of fun. I love seeing the children’s faces light up and even the adults smiling as they take it all in.

“This year felt like the right time to do something more meaningful, so we’re supporting Cancer Research UK in memory of my sister/other family members who have unfortunately been affected by cancer. If the display brings a few smiles and raises a bit for a good cause, that’s all I could hope for.”