The manager of a Christian bookshop in Ryedale is warning parents of the dangers of Hallowe'en which he says is just one step from Satanism.

Steve Camps, who manages the Lighthouse Bookshop in Saville Street, in Malton, says parents need to be aware of the dangers of allowing their children to take part.

To reinforce his message Mr Camps, a member of the Elim Church, has mounted a display about the dangers of Hallowe'en in his shop window.

"I just want to make parents to think about what they are doing by letting their children take part in this," he said.

"Hallowe'en is a witching event which has its origins in the occult and Satanism and it is very dangerous to let children take part in that.

"Hallowe'en can encourage an interest in these cults and I have literature which has examples of people's lives being ruined but it."

He says what starts as a mild interest in Hallowe'en by children can often develop into an interest in the occult in later life.

He adds: "People become interested in ouija boards and horoscopes and this can be very dangerous; I have known people who have let their lives become controlled by such things.

"It may sound unfashionable to say Hallowe'en is dangerous but ultimately it is just an excuse by the big stores to make money."

Mr Camps said he did not want to abolish Hallowe'en entirely but just wanted people to question whether it is a good thing to take part.