Oak Beach resident Richard Lavender and his team have been recognised for their efforts in bringing Halloween to Far North Queensland after winning a significant award in Saturday night's Port Douglas Magazine 2012 Douglas Business Awards.

Richard who also goes by the name 'Demonised Ghoul' collected the gong on Saturday evening in full Halloween costume for Best New Event/Festival for his Haunting of Oak Beach - an elaborate collection of gruesome creatures and sets sure to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

"We are now informed that several people are travelling from as far away as New Zealand and Melbourne," Richard said.

"There’s nothing like the Haunt in their area. It really is becoming a tourist attraction. Spending 1,900 hours each year in production for a one night event is overwhelming.



"The recognition for the effort makes the coffin hinges sparkle."

Richard has promised an even bigger and better 'Haunting' in 2012 with a special Disturbing Christmas display, a tribute to Sweeney Todd, and a performance from Port Douglas Academy of Performing Arts who will do an interpretation of Michael Jackson's Thriller, with plenty more surprises in store.

The Haunting of Oak Beach is on again this Saturday from 6pm to 9pm. For more information visit the website or email ghoul@hauntingofoakbeach.com.