IF you plan to visit Basildon’s Eastgate Shopping Centre this week then beware - the witches are back!

The Witches of Eastgate have reopened their creepy cavern so families can enjoy a bit of spooky fun during their shopping trips.

But you can also help raise money for a good cause at the same time - entry to the cavern is free but donations are being collected for the local Veterans of Normandy charity.

The fundraising is going well so far - a mystery businessman has already pledged £1,000 to the charity, which supports war veterans.

Donald Sheppard, 96, chairman of the Veterans of Normandy, said: “We are truly grateful to the people of Basildon for their support of our cause.

“We also thank the mystery donor for the unbelievably generous donation. I hope I have a chance to thank the local businessman in person very soon.”

Centre manager Ian Clark said: “This is a fantastic gesture of support to help a wonderful small group of veterans continue to keep the spirit of 1944 and beyond alive.

He added: “Halloween is now a major annual event for retailers, having grown enormously over several years, and the Witches of Eastgate Cavern has become established as an annual half term attraction for family shoppers.”

The cavern is open daily from 10.30am until 4pm.