Spooktacular Halloween decorations stop visitors in their tracks
'It all started for children to enjoy, but the adults seem to enjoy it just as much'
Last updated 20th Oct 2025
Halloween decorations outside a house in Wooler are stopping locals in their tracks.
Residents Julie Collop and Alan Dewar have created a spooky steam train, covered in skeletons, in their front garden on Burnhouse Road.
The display's designed to raise money for Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team, and an online donations page topped its initial £200 target within hours of going live.
The Wooler Express, as it's been called, has been given the number 666 - the symbol of the Devil - and even lets out steam.
"We used to do the displays at our previous house and Alan loves creating them," Julie told Greatest Hits Radio. "The train is made from wood, and if we can help raise donations for charities then that makes it all worthwhile.
"Of course it all started for children to enjoy, but the adults seem to enjoy it just as much."
Although quickly becoming a festive favourite, it's the first time since moving to the Northumberland town three years ago that the couple have decided to do it for charity.
Julie added:"To be honest it doesn't really take Alan a great amount of time, he just does a few hours a time when he can, sometimes the hardest part is trying to come up with something different each year.
"The help we had from JT Doves of Berwick and Neil Tate Fencing in Wooler was invaluable in helping Alan source the sort if things he needed to build the train and tracks, and of course our neighbours who helped in many different ways.
"We're both always in awe of how many people stop to look and take photos. We both enjoy anything to do with Halloween, ghosts and spooky things, so why not make it fun!"
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