HALLOWEEN is just round the corner - and the hunt is on to find the best carved pumpkin.

The new children's competition is being held at the Countryside Live Food and Farming Fair, on the Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, on October 29 and 30.

Youngsters from across the region are being invited to take their carved pumpkins along to be judged as part of the annual farming and country showcase.

Taking centre stage will be the giant pumpkin grown by Patrick and Sandra Cremins, of Starbeck, Harrogate, who have donated the eight-stone monster for display in the showground's education area.

Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organises the event, said: "Countryside Live is a mix of the best of farming and countryside and it is a fun day out for all ages.

"The education area is an important part of the show and we thought, with the timing of the event, a pumpkin competition would make perfect sense.

"Hopefully, we'll have lots of entries."

Entries can be taken to the society's offices on the showground from October 26, or to the education area - stand 4G - during the event.

There will be a £25 book token as first prize, £15 for second and £10 for third place.

Tickets for the show cost £7 on the gate for adults or £6 if booked before Friday; concessions are £6 and £5 in advance. Children are admitted free.

The gates open at 9.30am each day.

For further information and tickets, ring (01423) 541222 or visit www.countrysidelive.co.uk