THE Bishop of Bolton has claimed a victory in the battle against gruesome Halloween costumes.

The Rt Rev David Gillett says supermarkets have responded positively to his concerns over the sale of graphic costumes to youngsters and has now launched a new campaign to crack down on anti-social trick-or-treaters.

New research commissioned by the Anglican Church showed that two-thirds of Britons wanted a wider range of Halloween products.

The clergyman, who said more should be done to remember the Christian roots of the festival, last year urged the country's largest retailers to show restraint over the sale of gory, blood-soaked costumes and other horror-related toys.

Following talks with supermarkets, the Church of England now say they have one a commitment from several chain stores to stock less-frightening or graphic products.

Sainsbury's told the Church they would stock items such as glow sticks and hair braids and Asda promised to clearly distinguish between child-friendly costumes such as fairies and witches and more adult ranges.

The Disney Store and Woolworths also said they would do more to offer less scary products.

A poll of 1,000 people, which took place last month, showed that 66 per cent of people were open to the idea of a cheerier range of products.

Speaking as he launched the campaign outside Manchester cathedral with children dressed in alternative Halloween costumes, Bishop David called for the public to re-think trick-or-treat visits, which he said could give rise to anti-social behaviour.

Twist

He said: "The idea of kids helping kids at Halloween is a really positive twist on what was fast becoming the anti-social event of the year.

"Of course, only a very small minority of teenagers cause trouble at Halloween but, through my daily contact with schools and churches, I have picked up a real concern among

parents and teachers about the type of activities that people are encouraged to take part in at Halloween.

"I now hope that parents will use their spending power, vote with their baskets and do what they can to show big businesses that we all want Halloween to be a more positive festival for people of all ages."

People are being encouraged to visit website www.HalloweenChoice.org to donate to the Children's Society in return for a poster telling potential visitors they had already `treated' a child.