As little ghosts and goblins prepare to venture out this Hallowe’en, one Ipswich mum will be ready and waiting to give them a spooky surprise.

Christine Heffer goes all out for the trick-or-treating season, transforming herself from lovable mum-of-three to a gruesome green witch.

The 65-year-old converts the front of her home in Wentworth Drive into a haunted house, complete with tombstones, cobwebs and carved pumpkins to scare unsuspecting visitors.

She said: “I moved into this house five years ago and when it came to Hallowe’en I thought let’s see what we can do. Now people come from all over and the children love it. They all come fancy dressed – even the parents sometimes.”

Daughter Anita Johnson said: “She does the full green make-up, false nails, wig, stockings and hat.

“She does it for the children. She loves to see children’s faces, they don’t expect to see this green witch opening the door.

“Last year the amount of parents that asked for photos with their children and mum was incredible.

“I just think it was another reason for her to please. She just loves to get involved in local charities and helping out and volunteering.”

Christine is a dedicated volunteer for St Elizabeth Hospice. Having previously worked in a hospice charity shop for a number of years, she now volunteers at the hospice itself in Foxhall Road and acts as a volunteer marshal for the annual Midnight Walk.

“She does what she can to help anyone at any time,” Anita said. “Most weekends she’s doing something for the charity, she gives so much time.”

This will be the sixth year Christine has donned her black hat for the Hallowe’en effort and she’s already got the costume laid out and waiting for the big night.

The whole family gets involved in the event, with daughter Melissa carving the stunning pumpkins for the garden.

She said: “I look forward to it – it’s a fun event, we enjoy it and so do the children.”

Christine , who has three daughters, Anita, 35, Lisa, 42, and Melissa, 29, was a full-time carer for her mother and then her father and began volunteering after he passed away nine years ago.

“She’s always giving up time for other people,” Anita said. “She’s brought up three daughters. She’s always putting other people first and giving up her time.”

Have you got a spooky story to tell? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk