A CARE company that operates in Powys has called for a ban on trick or treating the elderly.

Abacare, which provides care at home to elderly people across the county, has made the call ahead of Halloween at the end of October,

The company said it has been calling for a ban since 2014 and has received "lots of support" for its campaign.

It is also producing posters for elderly people to display in their windows so trick or treaters can avoid homes where they aren’t wanted. It is encouraging people to call and check on elderly neighbours this Halloween instead.

Abcarare chief executive Peter Angelides said: "Halloween is a very child-orientated holiday and while we encourage youngsters to have fun, we also urge them to think about any elderly relatives or neighbours they might have as the celebrations can cause fear in them.

"It can be especially frightening for any elderly people living alone who may not want to open their doors to strangers on a cold winter evening. Not opening the door can result in a nasty ‘trick’ being played, which is equally distressing for older people.

"We want people to be more aware of the elderly and vulnerable this Halloween and instead of trick or treating on them, perhaps people can check they are warm and doing ok.

"We will be providing our service users with posters to display in their window to deter potential trick or treaters from knocking on their doors and we hope the rest of Wales follows suit."