The friendly monsters invading Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton Bid's managing director hopes people will take advantage of the free trail

Families are being invited to visit Wolverhampton's giant monsters that have sprung up atop prominent buildings in time for Halloween.

Those in charge of the city's Business Improvement District (BID) insist the "invading" creatures are friendly and will bring joy to children during next week's half term.

Five inflatable, cartoon-like monsters form a trail across the city centre, peeking over buildings and around corners.

BID bosses say Wolverhampton Railway Station will also join the fun with monster-themed windows, while other city centre streets will have monster-themed floor stickers.

Cherry Shine, Wolverhampton BID managing director, described the trail as a free and enjoyable activity suitable for all ages.

It launched on Friday and the glowing characters will be on display until 3 November.

It is hoped the inflatable creatures will bring joy in time for half term and Halloween

Ms Shine said the monsters were "fabulous" and were "delighting" children.

"They're looking up with astonished faces full of grins," she said on Friday.

"It's lovely to see them going 'oh my god, mommy'. It's just a dream really. It's lovely to see."

The Halls concert venue is one of Wolverhampton's most popular landmarks

Ms Shine said she hoped people who had not visited Wolverhampton for a while would give the city another go.

She said "so much has changed", praising improvements to Victoria Street and the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls concert venue.

"We've got an amazing offer in our city," she said. "People need to revisit, appreciate it and have a bit of fun once they're here too."

People can pick up a trail booklet at locations across the city or download the map online.