ON Halloween night, Ayr St Columba Church Halls in Midton Road were transformed into a wonderland of lights as they celebrated their very first Light Party.

It was an idea created by the Scripture Union to encourage churches to offer to offer a safe environment for children on one of the busiest nights of the year.

The children and their parents walked out of darknesss into church and were greeted with a myriad of lights filling the dark corridors, with bright welcoming illuminations.

There were a variety of activities organised – a craft room where glow in the dark bracelets, lanterns and model lighthouses were made, pumpkins were carved and much, much more. In the main hall, there were some traditional games, like bobbing for apples, eating doughnuts from a swaying string, jumping the river, and Malteser and straw races.

In the corner a giant lighthouse emerged, made from of old boxes. There was also the church's own light disco, with a laser show on the ceiling and smiley balloons everywhere.

In the middle of the activities there was a short “quiet time” when everyone was encourage to think of Jesus as the Light of the World. More games followed and the evening was rounded off with hot chocolate and lots of sweets.

The team was thrilled to welcome so many children and parents to our first Light Party and they look forward to repeating the event next year - The Light Party 2018 – is already on the calendar.