Wallingford town councillors hope a plentiful supply of chocolate bars will stop youths marauding through the town throwing eggs and flour on Halloween.

They are also appealing for shopkeepers to be wary of who they sell flour and eggs to in the run-up to October 31.

Councillors, helped by members of the public, will be on patrol with local police in a bid to prevent the mayhem that hit the town five years ago.

But they are worried because this year's Halloween falls on a Friday night, when most drink-related trouble occurs.

Councillor Mike Mold said he was worried the problems would be exacerbated this year and that they might find themselves with real trouble on their hands.

Last year the council bought £50 worth of fun-size chocolate bars and other sweets and handed them out while they were talking to local youngsters and explaining why they did not want any trouble.

Betty Atkins, who devised the idea, said: "It worked well with us being able to chat properly with the young people and not being confrontational.

"It’s worth trying again this year."

The patrol will also be keeping a watchful eye on the Round Table's annual charity fundraising bonfire, which is due to be lit the following evening.

Lynda Atkins said: "We don’t want to spoil anyone's fun, we won't be bothering anyone who is just out enjoying the atmosphere.

"We just want to prevent buildings, cars and people being splattered and hit with flour and eggs and other things.

"Halloween is there to be enjoyed but not made into a war zone."