Witches and wizards join trail in town

Youngsters are invited to wear their scariest Halloween outfits and join a mass pumpkin hunt.

Organised by Demelza Hospice Care for Children, the hunt takes place tomorrow (Friday) in Tenterden with groups leaving the recreation ground at 11am and midday.

Children will be searching for pumpkins on display in shops and around landmarks and can pick up treats from shops and businesses while on their spooky mission.

A small flurry of witches, wizards, monsters and vampires is expected in town for the event, which is sponsored by Taylor Wimpey and supported by Nortrade Foods.

The pumpkin hunt is taking place in towns across Kent and the best Halloween costume in each location will be awarded a prize, with winners from each town judged against each other.

A £250 John Lewis voucher, donated by Active International, will be reserved for the best-dressed.

Pumpkin- hunters should allow one hour for the task and children aged three to 11 years old can take part at the cost of £5 per child.

Every child’s place includes two accompanying adults free of charge.

Tamsyn Clark, Demelza’s director of fundraising and marketing, said: “This is a lovely family event, which we promise is not scary at all. It will be lots of family fun and a great way to entertain your children during October half term and a safe way to take your children trick or treating, with less tricks and more treats. The event will raise much needed funds for Demelza as well.”

To find out more visit bit. ly/2Mqyewa

■ Meanwhile, Tenterden Garden Centre in Reading Street is holding its annual Halloween extravaganza today (Thursday) between 10am-4pm, with an invitation for children dress up in their Halloween best to win prizes, including entry tickets to Kent Life. Youngsters can carve their pumpkin, take part in crazy science sessions, enjoy face-painting and listen to story-telling, among a range of activities.