RESIDENTS are being invited to not one, but two evenings of the best short horror films from around the world.

The Red Ditch Halloween Film Festival, the brainchild of the people behind Big Frog Films, aims to find the best horror be it a gore-splattered zombie flick, a thought-provoking psychological chiller or even an animation.

That, and give people a good scare.

The event, suitable for those aged 16 plus, is at Redditch's Palace Theatre on October 28 and 29 and will include a panel of judges including Redditch Mayor Joe Baker.

Hosted by Redditch undertaker Weird Mortimer Balmer and sidekick Dr Strangeglove, the special event will see awards given out on the night to best film, director, actor, and actress.

There will also be prizes for the best dressed ghouls and gals.

Nigel Buckley, from Big Frog, said: "We've had nearly 1,000 entries from all over the world of short (under 20 minutes) horror films and we'll be showing the best over the two nights.

"It's not all about how scary a film is. They will be judged on their story, as well as the ability to make you jump out of your seat."

Tickets cost £6 each night (inclusive of booking fee £1 per ticket up to a maximum of £4) from redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk.

For more information about Big Frog, which has just opened a bespoke studio in the centre of town, visit bigfrogfilms.co.uk.

After the film festival people are being invited to take a spooky walk through Church Green to the Black Tap pub to continue the fun.