As the clock struck midnight on Halloween - well, about five thirty really - we were out of our work gear like a shot and into our costumes for a night of murder, mystery and suspense at the Conference and Banqueting Suite at the Centre for Life in Newcastle city centre.

Fancy dress was optional, but always one to rise to a challenge, we arrived in a range of bizarre, spooky and down-right ridiculous costumes – all hand-made of course. From a zombie cowboy and a cool robot, right through to a giant bear and a bird, we definitely put our own stamp on the theme 'Halloween attire'.

After being greeted by some scary-looking folk, we were shown to our seats for a frightfully good meal where scenes were acted out between courses. The culprit was then revealed over coffee, but of course, if we told you who did it, then we might have to kill you.

As well as dressing up during the evening, we also took part in the Wear it Pink Breast Cancer campaign during the day where we asked everyone to wear something pink and donate £2 to the cause. We even had pink doughnuts, marshmallows and pink lemonade to embrace the spirit of the event even more.