Youngsters have been handed a spooktacular challenge this Halloween as they bid to escape from a 'haunted' castle.

A youth organisation decided it would celebrate slightly differently this year by providing young people with a spooky escape room.

Carlisle Youth Zone's Halloween Haunted Castle Escape Room, which has been testing kids' puzzle-solving skills, has been running at the youth club on Victoria Place this week.

The escape room sees youngsters in groups of six tested against the clock with a range of puzzles in a haunted castle-themed escape room that comes with a smoke machine, spooky noises and other props including chains.

The escape room has been provided by one of Carlisle Youth Zone's patrons, Carlisle Brass – an ironmongery business on Parkhouse Road – and will be running until Sunday.

"It has been such fun for them and they have absolutely loved it," said Lynsey Buckle, of Carlisle Youth Zone.

"This has all been provided by our patrons Carlisle Brass, who have helped sponsor the room, decorate it and come up with all the puzzles and challenges.

"It has just been something a little bit different for young people to enjoy. Halloween is such a creative time for young people.

"You have trick or treating, Halloween discos and pumpkins, but we just thought that we would try something a bit different.

"They have seen [escape rooms] for adults and we wanted to make one that was more appropriate for younger people."

The group of six that manages to get out of the room fastest over the week will win a £20 Nandos voucher for each team member – something that has also been provided by Carlisle Brass.

Youth clubs are among the many community groups that have taken a hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the wellbeing of some children suffering as a result.

On how Carlisle Youth Zone was faring since lockdown, Ms Buckle said: "At the moment we are trying to focus on the positives.

"These last 18 or 20 months have taught us that you just don't know what is around the next corner and we are always on high alert with safety and we still encourage our staff to wear masks and remain socially distanced.

"Our membership starts at seven and a lot of our younger members have never been here before.

"[Young people] have had a long time in lockdown and it is starting to have impacts on them with things like making friends and self esteem.

"We have to push through and provide them with a place where they can be children and where they can socialise safely."

The escape room is open to all members at the Carlisle Youth Zone.

For more information about Carlisle Youth Zone and membership, visit the Carlisle Youth Zone website at www.carlisleyouthzone.org