PARENTS and kids went Halloween crazy at Roves Farm at the weekend as annual pumpkin carving week proved just as popular as ever.

More than 500 people descended on the farm on Monday to fashion the typical Halloween fruit into a scary, ghoulish face.

The farm currently has more than 1000 pumpkins, all of which are ready and waiting to be sliced and diced in time for the traditional spooky celebrations at the end of the month.

Katie Allen, events manager at Roves Farm, said: “It was a fantastic day on Monday. It was very busy indeed, with families coming in thick and fast. We had a fabulous response from people and I’m sure the rest of the week will be just as good.

“It’s amazing to see how many people haven’t actually carved a pumpkin before – but that’s what we’re here for.

“It was a really nice family bonding session and a great way for people to gear up for Halloween, and parents loved it because it meant their kids didn’t have to make a mess in the kitchen.”

People can carve their pumpkins into whatever shape they wish and all the leftovers go to the very grateful pigs, for whom the tasty fruits are a positive delight.

Running until October 30, the event also includes a spooky Halloween tractor ride around the farm.

Katie said: “Families can come and take a 20 minute ride on the tractor where they will pass a few ghosts and witches along the way. Nothing will be jumping out and frightening the kids, though.”

Also, budding pumpkin carvers can enter their creation into a competition to name the best carved pumpkin.

“Minions seem to be really popular at the moment,” said Katie. “We are seeing a lot of Minion-inspired pumpkins.

“Hosting activities like these is really good for the farm and it’s a great way for families to spend the half-term break.”

The event will also allow people to take part in all the usual Rove Farm antics, such as meeting and feeding the animals in Pets Corner, going wild in the play bar and adventure play area and enjoy some sweet treats in the Whoolly Sheep Tearoom.

For more information, such as opening hours and ticket prices, log on to rovesfarm.co.uk or call 01793 763939.